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COVID-19 guidance for churches,
after CDC eases its guidelines

Revised March 1, 2022

COVID-19 guidance for churches, after CDC eases its guidelines

Revised March 1, 2022

New CDC
county-by-county
COVID-19 guidance

DHEC: COVID-19
county-by-county
hospitalizations

DHEC: Make a
vaccination
appointment

Bishop Holston and leaders of the South Carolina Conference strongly encourage local churches to ensure their practices protect the health and safety of all.

Bishop Holston affirms this updated guidance for local churches, compiled by a team of South Carolina United Methodist pastors and laity:

  • Vaccination has proven to be the best defense against COVID-19. All eligible persons – anyone age 5 and older – are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated and to receive a booster shot as soon as possible. Schedule an appointment.
  • Please remember, persons 65 and older and those with weak immune systems due to health conditions are more susceptible to COVID-19, even when vaccinated. Out of respect and love for them, consider wearing a mask in their presence.

Should COVID-19 levels in your community rise, local churches are strongly encouraged to enact the following practices, which reduce the likelihood of transmission of COVID-19 and other dangerous viruses. Local churches are encouraged to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 in their communities and adjust their practices as appropriate.

  • Everyone should wear masks at all times when indoors – including choirs and those waiting to receive communion.
  • Everyone should practice social distancing when indoors – including while waiting to receive communion.
  • Local churches should hold events outdoors, including drive-up services, whenever possible. Outdoors is always safer than indoors.

What to do if someone tests positive for COVID-19. (revised March 1)

Bishop Holston and conference leaders recognize that there are differences of opinion in many congregations about the best way to respond to COVID-19. We urge patience and understanding as we continue to seek the best ways to serve God and one another together.

New CDC
county-by-county
COVID-19 guidance

DHEC: COVID-19
county-by-county
hospitalizations

DHEC: Make a
vaccination
appointment