Managing the Covid 19 Crisis at Howick Baptist Church
Howick Baptist Church During the COVID-19 Alert
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“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
1 Timothy 2:1-4
During the COVID-19 alert Howick Baptist Church will continue to follow the directions of the Government in the interests of the health of our community.
Sundays
While we are at Level ORANGE in the present COVID-19 alert, we are observing Government requirements, limiting numbers attending for Gathered Worship, providing for contact tracing and employing good hygiene practices.
Gathered Worship Services under COVID-19 Alert Level Orange
Numbers able to attend our Gathered Worship on Sundays are strictly limited by the prevailing COVID-19 regulations. Under the Orange setting we have a congregation of 50 in each of our Main Auditorium (from where we stream the service as a livestream here) and in other separated spaces. Pre-booking is not required. The first 50 will be accomodated in the church's main Auditorium with the over-flow being hosted in the Clarkson Hall and Lower Lounge.
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As a matter of biblical principle we have chosen not to use the New Zealand My Vaccine Pass (COVID Pass) to filter people attending gathered worship at HBC, so in each service and space there will be a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people. We therefore ask you to humbly consider one another as more important than yourselves (Philippians 2:3). We gather to worship God together and to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25), so it is good to make a prayerful and thoughtful assessment in faith of the way attendance may impact on the welfare of others, or on yourself (especially if you are a "vulnerable person"), or on your children. As well as caring for, encouraging and praying for one another, we ask you to support each other's health and safety and to respect the regulations imposed by our Government (Romans 13; Titus 3) by upholding the following protocols:
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Do not come if you or anyone in your household as even mild symptoms of cold, flu, sore throat or other COVID-19 symptoms
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Use the entrance/door designated for the venue you are booked for (that will be identified in your booking confirmation email)
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Scan in and be signed in on arrival
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You may wear a mask if you wish but mask wearing is voluntary
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You can mix freely with people in your venue, but please stay in your designated venue and do not mix with people from the other venues
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At the close of the service, please exit by the same way you came on arrival, and do not mix with people from the other venues
Please do not attend the services if you are unwell, or have a cold, influenza or COVID-19 symptoms, or if you need to be in isolation for any reason.
COVID-19 Symptoms:
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to common illnesses such as a cold or influenza.
You may have one or more of the following:
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a cough
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a high temperature (at least 38ËšC)
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shortness of breath
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a sore throat
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sneezing and runny nose
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temporary loss of smell
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Hygiene for Church Services
Please follow basic hygiene measures and remember to:
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cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues
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put used tissues in the bin or a bag immediately
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wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds)
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don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Hand sanitizers, tissues and lined disposal bins will be available throughout the church complex.
Thank you for your cooperation
References:
New Zealand Government official COVID-19 page
https://covid19.govt.nz/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtJeNBhCVARIsANJUJ2G6WQ3ECfiaUlSjUdKEK_909BdFw2VEL2BlvXNdicghV_BE5Sf6f
New Zealand Government COVID-19 Regulations for Faith Based Gatherings at Red Level