Slideshow image

Recently, the Board met to discuss the next steps for Lakeview through the next few months.
 
It was clear to all that the current public health guidelines fall far short of recognizing the current risk of COVID-19, not just for the unvaccinated, but for those who have been fully vaccinated. The fact that the vaccine (regardless of the type) does not provide complete protection (and thus the issue of "breakthrough" infection and the ability to spread illness to others) is worrisome. Plus, the notion that we simply sit back and let the unvaccinated control what constitutes public safety measures, is not acceptable.
 
In the circumstances of exponential growth in the number of reported cases of infection in the province — understanding that Regina is not leading all zones in this category and mindful that continued vigilance is necessary to protect everyone that we come in contact with — we landed on the following proposed conditions for attendance and use of our facilities. We recognize that we may not be able to establish rules where "one size fits all" but we will try to do so and be consistent in the result. Our priority has to be safety.
 
1.     If you are over the age of 12 years, you must be fully vaccinated with two doses of an approved vaccine.

2.     There are no exceptions or options (proof of a recent negative test (the problem is that a test simply identifies measurable infection at the moment of the test, and not proof of health going forward). Having said this, it is not necessary to provide "proof of vaccination," but rather simply an oral confirmation if asked (are you fully vaccinated? Yes/No).
 
3.     The common direction that if you do not feel well or were recently exposed to someone who has tested or is testing for COVID-19, applies. In such event, you should not attend in person.
 
4.     You must wear a mask and maintain social distancing at all times.
 
5.     Speakers (i.e. the minister, or the musical director while singing, or the instructor at the senior's computer program) do not need to be masked understanding that they will be distanced from any audience. In certain circumstances such as a wedding, it may be entirely reasonable to permit the persons being married, to be un-masked. Whether this ought to extend to the wedding party requires further consideration.
 
6.     Entry into the sanctuary for Sunday service will be in one door, out another.  No coffee or socializing before or after the service.
 
7.     Guidelines apply to everyone in our building, not just Lakeview members, but our tenants, for funerals, weddings, etc.
 
8.     The question regarding singing while masked has been asked. For the moment, we think it is possible for members of the congregation to sing while masked.
 
9.     All services will continue to be live-streamed so that this continues as a viable option for our members and guests.
 
10. This guideline applies until such time as it is revoked by the Board.
 
Please review this according to your own circumstances and any groups that you are responsible for or manage. If you recognize any gaps in this plan or whether we have missed something that needs to be addressed please let us know.
 
We wish this was not necessary, but it seems we must remain careful for the next few months.

Ken Ready
Board Chair