Our guiding principles include: 

• Keeping each other as safe as possible from COVID, including members of the congregation, staff, volunteers, and visitors.  
• Remembering the needs of people with special vulnerabilities and helping them feel safe and welcome.
• Recognizing that we owe staff special deference since they spend many hours every week interacting with the rest of us, putting themselves at risk for getting sick.
• And from a 17th Century Latin text: “In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas” or “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberality; and in all things, love.”

VACCINATION:

For the protection of ourselves and each other, all those without contraindications are encouraged to be as fully vaccinated as possible.  

MASKS:

We will continue to require masks during activities that are core to the congregation’s mission:  Sunday Services and Programs for Children and Youth.

In non-core functions, such as coffee hour or memorial services, masks are encouraged, but optional. 

Children under age 3 are not required to weak masks.

CHOIR:  

Consistent with standard practices at UU congregations nationwide, masks continue to be required during rehearsals.  During rehearsal, the music director has extensive exposure to many people’s breath and can’t wear a mask to lead the rehearsal effectively.

During performances, choir members may remove their masks temporarily.   

If a service includes wind musicians, they may also remove their masks while performing.

Seating arrangements will ensure ample space between performers and congregation, with seating available on the balcony and in Channing Hall for those with special concerns.

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH:

Masks will be worn by all throughout indoor, in-person classes and groups.

No snack during class time; parents and caregivers can choose to attend Coffee Hour for refreshments if they wish. 

COFFEE HOUR AND OTHER EVENTS: 

Coffee hour, memorial service receptions, and other events where eating is not the primary focus: masks are encouraged, but optional. 

Small dinners (under 20 participants), space tables as far apart as possible; masks encouraged, but optional.

Large dinners, such as Thanksgiving Potluck, will be handled on case-by-case basis, considering current pandemic situation. 

PERIODIC REASSESSMENT:

The COVID Response Team will touch base monthly to determine if policy changes are needed.  If you have concerns to share with the group, please send a note to Tammy Goddard at admin@albanyuu.org.