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COVID-19 Updates and Resources

We are collecting information about the COVID-19 virus and its effects on the EOORC and the United Church of Canada.
Please read new information below.

 

 

UCC Updates

COVID-19 Vaccine Expectations In response to repeated requests for direction from regional council staff and communities of faith, on September 29, 2021, the Board of Vocation passed the following motion unanimously: The Board of Vocation expects all ministry personnel who are actively serving to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless medically exempt. Unvaccinated ministry personnel, without a medical exemption, may be found to be acting contrary to the ethical standard that calls upon them to be sensitive to the vulnerabilities of all.

Vaccination Policies in Congregations 24Jun2021  written by United Church of Canada, Legal Counsel

Faith Communities and COVID-19 in 2021

 

EOORC Updates

January 25, 2022 — Quebec announces slow reopening. The second phase of the opening comes on Feb. 7, in which places of worship will be able to operate at half capacity, for a maximum of 250 people.

January 24, 2022 —  Starting January 31, churches in Ontario continue at 50% capacity. Indoor gatherings up to 10 people. Feb 21, Churches that require proof of vaccination (POV) can operate at 100% capacity. Masks and distancing still applies. Indoor social gatherings increases to 25. Meetings and events, groups like AA can have capacity limit lifted if POV is required. March 14. Churches can operate at 100% capacity. Social gatherings rise to 50. Read report from Ontario Government.

January 4, 2022 — As of January 5, 2022, in response to recent trends that show a rapid increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, Ontario is temporarily moving into Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen with modifications that take into account the province’s successful vaccination efforts. Weddings, funerals, religious services, rites and ceremonies are permitted under the following conditions:

  • indoor services are limited to 50 per cent the capacity of the room
  • outdoor services are limited to the number of people who can maintain two metres distance
  • drive-in (motor vehicle) services permitted
  • social gatherings associated with these services must adhere to the social gathering limits