Well, it was a bit of unexpected news for us, but after confirming with about five different sources including churches in contact with with FEB Central, churches who have spoken to their local MPPs, reading the regulations, watching the announcements, and calling the WDG Health Unit…Churches are allowed to conduct religious services at 15% capacity during the current stay-at-home order.
Here’s the breakdown of what you need to know:
Please register if you are planning to attend. Because of the 15% capacity limit, we can only fit 97 attendees in the Auditorium.
If we have more than 97 attendees register, we will use the York Road Room to show the livestream. We are permitted another 15% in that room.
WDG Health Unit has confirmed no children’s programs under the current restrictions.
Anyone who does not get a seat in the Auditorium on any particular week will be given priority in the Auditorium this following week. After that, the 97 seats will be filled in order of registration time.
While we can have services, all other facility access is strictly limited to staff. Please direct any questions regarding essential facility access to to the church office.
As we enter this third provincial state of emergency, our COVID safety rules are clearly still in place and we are asking all who choose to come to services to be even more vigilant during this time. Following the guidelines ensures both that we respect the expectations set out for all attendees, and that we continue to be considered a low-risk gathering:
All attendees must pass the COVID screening questions.
Proper face masks are required at all times while in the building.
Social distancing (2 m) must be maintained at all times on the property from anyone you do not live with.
Please be extra careful as you enter and move through the building to ensure social distancing is maintained.
Social gatherings before or after services are not permitted. Please remember this especially in the halls and parking lot.
All these changes (or unexpected lack of changes) certainly keep us on our toes! We are very grateful, especially under the new restrictions, that the government continues to permit churches to continue with services for all those who are comfortable attending, and that we have the technology to allow many of those who are at home to join in too.
For those looking to register for the next service, the form is open weekly until Thursday at noon here: Registration form
For those joining from home, you can find us live at 10:30 am on Sunday here: crestwicke.org/livestream
Please contact us if you have any questions at all.
church@crestwicke.org or 519-836-2132