Wesley follows CDC Mask Guidance
August 10, 2021: Wesley UMC follows CDC guidance on masks. The CDC updated its mask guidance on July 27, 2021, with a recommendation that fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
The CDC COVID Data Tracker currently indicates a substantial level of community transmission in Worcester County. As a result:
- Wesley will require masks indoors at the church building while Worcester County remains at a substantial or high level of community transmission.
- Wesley will continue to require masks in the sanctuary during worship services regardless of the level of transmission.
The CDC notes that fully vaccinated people might choose to mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is unvaccinated. People who are at increased risk for severe disease include older adults and those who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, overweight or obesity, and heart conditions.
Limited singing will continue during worship services. The Summer Survey indicated a strong interest in singing with masks in worship and following CDC mask guidance. Wesley is taking a cautious approach to singing by following the steps recommended to mitigate the risks of singing that were developed when everyone was unvaccinated.
We continue to urge everyone to get a vaccination and are pleased that some people were able to receive a vaccination at Wesley. The vaccine clinic will return after church on August 22. Vaccinations are also available at pharmacies and other locations in Worcester and the surrounding area.
The Reentry Team will monitor ongoing developments and reevaluate as necessary. This post has been superseded by later COVID updates.