As some churches and faith communities are slowly resuming distanced in-person services, we feel that it is a good time for our INTERSIGN team to discuss re-opening strategies.
It’s an exciting time, yet it is also requires a lot of strategic planning and discernment. Does your church’s COVID task force have the right procedures, signage, and other social distancing equipment in place? If you choose to hold services indoors, here are three areas to consider as you continue to work towards keeping your congregation safe. Also, please make sure your church’s/faith community’s re-opening plans are in sync with your state’s re-opening plan.
Your Foyer
One of the first places to consider is your foyer area. As your church begins resuming in-person services, people will once again be passing through your foyer. Add designer floor decals to help make sure your members are 6 feet apart as they socialize and catch up. Resuming coffee hour? Post one of our face coverings required signs to remind your members to mask up! Also, don’t forget to add multiple hand sanitizing stations to help members get used to regularly cleaning their hands! Have furniture around? Use our seat covers to help promote social distancing and to encourage members to space out when sitting!
Your Sanctuary
Yes, we’re sure everyone is thrilled to finally be able to gather in-person again. It goes without saying, however, that worship services will now look different. Masks may now be required. Seats may be more spaced out. Special sacraments and traditions may now be celebrated less frequently, or require introducing new precautions. Specific doors may now be designated just for entry/exit. Your members and guests may now be asked to refrain from exchanging physical greetings (handshakes or hugs). Hymnals and religious materials may be tucked away into storage in favor of digital apps and ways of information-sharing.
We suggest formulating a complete and thorough plan to address the changes that need to be made for your gatherings. We also suggest using social distancing signage products to communicate necessary changes. Seat covers, in particular, help regulate how many seats are used during the service and will help your members have an enjoyable and stress-free service. Covers and furniture decals are available in different styles and is suitable for both interior and exterior use.
Your Hallway
Many churches and faith communities are now paying special attention to the traffic flow. Will certain hallways now be one-way? Will certain doors be designated for entrance and others designated for exit? Help promote physical distancing by using floor decals to mark the direction people should go.
Find other considerations for faith communities from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
On behalf of the INTERSIGN team, we understand that there is a lot for your church to consider in the days ahead. Stay safe and masked, and let us know if our team can assist at all with your social distancing signage solutions.