Peters Creek Baptist Church COVID-19 Policy
First and foremost, respect for each individual's health and privacy must be given highest priority. This applies to any individual who has experienced symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19, as well as close contacts of such individuals. It also extends to all impacted individuals for whom we would be required to adequately notify the congregation.
For the purposes of this policy, a "staff member" is defined as any individual who is part of our program (paid or volunteer). This could be a pastor, secretary, director, small group leader, custodian, worship team member, choir member, etc. A "congregant" is defined as someone who simply attends a worship service, class, small group, etc.
As part of this policy, the Leadership Council has created the PCBC COVID-19 Team to stay apprised of current guidelines from applicable health organizations, to adjust procedures at PCBC accordingly, and to be the primary point of contact for any COVID-19-related issues within the church. Applicable health organizations include the Allegheny County Health Department, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Members of the PCBC COVID-19 Team currently include the following members (please note: the Leadership Council may add or remove members as necessary):
- Nate Kauffman
- Donnie Lawson
- Hilarie Bauer
- Dick McCracken
- Josh Kerr
All staff members are required to complete the Self-Screening Test and Attestation any time they are in the church building in any capacity as a staff member (not just a congregant). Any positive response for a staff member on the self-screening test requires the individual to stay away from the church facility, notify his or her supervisor (if applicable), and report to the PCBC COVID-19 Team.
Similarly, all congregants must review the self-screening test. By entering the church building, congregants attest that they pass the self-screening requirements. If a congregant does not meet all criteria of the self-screening, he or she cannot enter the facility. Health organization guidelines should be followed. Signs with self-screening questions will be located at each entrance of the church.
If symptoms develop within two days of being at the church facility, the PCBC COVID-19 Team should be notified. The PCBC COVID-19 Team will apply current health organization standards to determine the appropriate protocol for each reported case. This flow chart depicts the initial standards that will be used.
If a person diagnosed with COVID-19 has been in the church facility, the Allegheny County Health Department will be notified, and a general notification will be sent to the entire congregation. The notification will include language similar to the following:
Peters Creek Baptist Church has experienced a diagnosed COVID-19 case in our facility. The exposure in our facility occurred on (date of exposure). Individuals who have been identified as close contacts have been notified, and the PCBC COVID-19 Team is following its established protocol. Impacted areas of the facility will be cleaned and sanitized before being reopened.
In the event of a positive case, the PCBC COVID-19 Team will work to establish any close contacts made during the individual's time at church, and the team will notify any close contacts upon identification. Close contacts will be encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 and will be informed of current health organization standards.
The Allegheny County Health Department, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all require a 14-day self-quarantine for close contacts. Negative COVID-19 test results do not release a close contact from their obligation to complete the mandated 14-day quarantine period.
The identity of the COVID-positive individual will not be disclosed in accordance with legal guidelines and out of respect for the individual's privacy. Close contacts may independently be contacted by a health organization for further contact tracing and guidance.
A positive COVID-19 case within a small group (e.g. Bible and Life, rehearsal, Bible studies, youth group, etc.) will follow the same protocol for disclosures with added general communication to the small group.
The PCBC COVID-19 Team, along with the advice of Leadership Council, will determine which events, activities, and services need to be adjusted or cancelled due to the COVID-19 developments.
All individuals currently identified as either COVID-19-positive or as having had close contact with such an individual will be entered into the new protocol.
Please note, all specific timeframes within this policy (e.g. symptoms developing within two days, the 14-day self-quarantine, etc.) reflect current health department guidelines as of the writing of the policy. The PCBC COVID-19 Team is authorized to amend the policy to reflect updated health department guidelines as they become available.