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)