“NO ROOM AT THE INN” – ADVANCE PLANNING FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
In order to respect the maximum number of participants as laid out by the government of Quebec, particularly on Christmas Eve when non-members often drop in unexpectedly, communities of faith offering on-site worship may choose to:
- clearly advertise the process for reservations in advance (on website, social media and/or exterior signage on the premises)
- plan for overflow space in another room (with streaming service)
- plan a brief outdoor service
- schedule multiple services, at least two hours apart
REGULATIONS REGARDING IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICES AND OTHER GATHERINGS
REGULATIONS REGARDING MASKS WORN BY CHURCH EMPLOYEES
The COVID Response Task Group recently received a question regarding CNESST regulations for masks in places of business (medical masks rather than homemade face coverings). The latest update from CNESST on November 9, 2020 says that, for now, workers who have to interact with another person within two metres and without a physical barrier must wear a procedure mask.
However, following consultation with its partners, the CNESST has joined forces with the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) to develop certification guidelines for non-medical masks used in the workplace. A certification program for non-medical masks for manufacturers will include quality and performance requirements as well as the terms and conditions of certification, and will be available to download from the BNQ website. Compliant products will be identifiable by a distinctive certification mark. Completion is scheduled for December 2020.
Learn more (see Question #27): https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/salle-de-presse/covid-19-info-en/Pages/covid-19.aspx
REMINDER: All communities of faith are requested to keep the COVID Response Task Group informed of their plans regarding closures/re-opening buildings (whether for worship, tenants or other uses). The protocol can be found at:
https://nakonhakaucc.ca/blog/2020/05/30/process-for-gradual-re-opening-of-church-buildings-peter-bisset/