One of the most difficult things about the pandemic is the constant need to readjust our actions and expectations. Once again, we find ourselves in need of change as this week the number of cases in our county have risen to their highest levels of the pandemic. As of this morning, December 29, our case numbers are at 88.9 per 100k via CovidActNow. Yesterday, the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department in their email update reported that their “latest report shows a 19% increase in the 14-day case rate over the last week, and 44% increase in a little more than 3 weeks.” The state and local health departments expect these numbers to continue to rise in the coming weeks.
Our revised reopening plan states that we will discontinue in-person worship when we reach 75 per 100k or Severe Risk on CovidActNow. In addition, we will close our building, and only essential staff will be in the office. Worship will continue to be live streamed at 11 a.m. with a minimum number of volunteers. You can participate in the live stream here each Sunday with a recording also available to watch shortly after. Once numbers consistently fall below 75 per 100k, we will resume in-person worship and reopen the building. Until then, please call the office prior to coming to the church.
If you are not already vaccinated and/or boosted and are eligible, we highly encourage you to do so. You can find vaccination locations here. We also encourage you to upgrade your masks to a two-layer cloth mask with a filter, a N95 or KN95 mask, or medical grade mask for the best protection. Please also wash your hands and get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. You can find testing sites in Pierce County here.
We are all saddened by this step back. Yet as people of faith, we take these steps to show our love for our neighbor and to continue to do no harm. Pastor Melinda and Pastor Cara invite you to pray with them for our medical and hospital staff, for our county and state health officials, and for all essential workers during this trying time.