South Bay Presbyterian Church COVID Guidelines as of 12 September 2022:
Guidance regarding protection from catching the COVID virus is as varied as the various government offices nation-wide. With regard to potluck meals, the most conservative warnings are simply that: just warnings to wear appropriate masks if you feel at risk, but it is not mandated. The most liberal warnings are encouragement for everyone to use common sense on protecting yourself.
The only alerts with regard to potlucks and meals comes from Stanford University dated April 4, 2022. In their latest warnings, they state that Stanford has aligned event guidance with the California Department of Public Health guidance for Mega Events. Again, they repeat the warnings on avoiding people who are coughing or sneezing, and the usual recommendations for isolating yourself if you think you've been exposed. The only reference to food handling was in the Stanford Covid Guidance, which I've extracted for our documentation:
• "All forms of food service are allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, buffets, potluck style, passed trays, served appetizers, open bars, beverage stations, standing and seated dining, in addition to individually boxed/prepackaged or plated food and drinks."
https://healthalerts.stanford.edu/covid-19/prevention-care/overview-of-gatherings-and-meetings-at-stanford/
IMPORTANT DETAILS REGARDING FOOD HANDLING FOR SBPC: https://healthalerts.stanford.edu/covid-19/prevention-care/overview-of-gatherings-and-meetings-at-stanford/
In light of this latest alert, SBPC will align our safety warnings with the State of California. There will no longer be any necessity for special food handling as was mandated during the height of the COVID cases. Potlucks, special snacks and luncheons have been an essential part of our mission to promote Spiritual Growth, Discipling one another, and Fellowship for our church family and to reach our community and bring them into God's family.
Evelyn Lee
on behalf of Session
