Faith-Based Organizations in Saint Lucia can request to resume operations; strict protocols must be followed

Protocols for Faith-Based Organizations Operations:

– Post several signs at and near the entrance(s) and throughout the FBO venue alerting members of efforts in place regarding COVID-19 and that they must follow the 6ft distancing rule.

– Announce physical distancing expectations periodically.
-Number of attendees must be calculated at a minimum of 30 square feet per person.
– Ensure that 6 feet physical distancing is maintained within aisles/seating rows (use markers on benches or place chairs 6 ft apart within each aisle).
– Ensure alternating rows of occupied and vacant seating (i.e. between two occupied rows of seats should be one aisle of empty chairs or a vacant bench)
-Avoid holding hands during the service/prayers.
-Avoid handshakes as a form of greeting/sign of peace.
-Avoid hugging and greeting with a kiss

-Modify the method for collecting regular financial contributions i.e. instead of passing round a collection tray/basket:
– Use a stationary collection box
– Use the mail or electronic methods
– Use extended (poled) collection bags by an usher
-Consider modifying practices that are specific to particular faith traditions. For example: Congregations that practise Communion could consider modifying or suspending this practice. Modifications could include:
– Ensure that religious leaders always wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol prior to conducting the service and Communion.
– Place the Communion elements on napkins within the recipient’s hand, not on their tongue
– Avoid the use of a common cup
– Serve members, rather than self-serving.

– Maintain the requisite number of people in the building according to building size. (30 sq. feet per person).
– Wash hands after handling financial contributions
-Clean and sanitize highly touched areas and items twice a day. For FBOs having longer or allday worship, clean and sanitize three times daily.
– Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label. For disinfection, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants can be used.

– Provide sanitizing stations for congregation entering and leaving the building.
– No gathering outside of FBO venues, before or after services.
– All congregational members or visitors should be aware of the following precautionary guidelines:
– Individuals who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness should stay home.

– Sick members should not come to the FBO venue until they are free of fever (temperature of 100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines.
– Members who have recently returned from areas with a high number of COVID-19 cases (based on CDC information) should stay at home.
– Members who have been in close contact with someone infected by SARS-CoV-2 should stay home

All Faith-Based Organizations are required to prepare a COVID-19 response plan regarding the new measures stipulated above. This plan must be submitted to and approved by the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment, at the soonest. The request to resume operations should be included in a Cover Letter, addressed to the Permanent Secretary and must highlight the intended start date. All requests must be submitted at least three (3) working days prior to the start date and should be emailed to udelaire@gmail.com.

Any Faith- Based Organisation found in violation of the above protocol will forfeit the opportunity to continue its operations throughout the duration of the declared State of Emergency.