Coronavirus Policy 2020

V1.1 March 10th 2020

last update August 13th 2020


The health and safety of all who attend Gateway Church is vitally important, and with the ever-changing picture of the current Coronavirus outbreak, we will constantly review internal measures to reduce the risk of infection.

Our current Policy is to provide specific advice on personal hygiene measures. Our advice and actions will be based on the latest and most up to date information from a variety of reliable international bodies and government agencies including the UK Government, Public Health Wales (PHW), Public Health England (PHE) and World Health Organisation (WHO).

Additionally, we recommend that anyone who considers themselves to be in a category of the population which is considered to be ‘at increased risk’, and are unsure about attending services and meetings, to stay away if they prefer, with our complete understanding.

If anyone is feeling unwell with any of the symptoms of high temperature or persistent cough, we strongly advise they follow NHS guidelines, and self-isolate, to reduce the risk to others, especially those who may have pre-existing medical conditions”.


Social Distancing 24/7/2020

In light of the latest Government advice regarding 'Social Distancing', we have generally closed the building to the public, although our offices remain available via telephone and email.

However, we are now opening for 'In Person Services' on Sunday mornings. Places are limited to ensure compliance with Social Distancing Guidance. 

Our services continue to be live streamed.


To ensure the continued safety of everyone, we have the following guidelines in place:

  • Attendance at an 'In Person Service' requires booking in advance through our website (http://www.gatewaychurch.wales/about-us/sunday-mornings).
  • In order to support the NHS Test and Trace programme, we are taking contact details (name and telephone number) and temperature for all staff and visitors, as well as recording times entering Gateway Church Abergavenny.

In line with guidance issued by the Department for Health and Social Care, we will keep your details safely and in compliance with GDPR legislation for 21 days before securely disposing of or deleting them.  

  • We will only share your details with NHS Test and Trace, if asked, in the event that it is needed to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
  • We will not use your details for any other purposes or pass them on to anyone else.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • We request that anyone with a persistent cough kindly refrain from attending our services in person, until all symptoms have cleared up.
  • We advise that if you feel unwell, you should not attend our services in person.

Thank you for your understanding.


OTHER INFORMATION

We have made appropriate arrangements for our worship services and bible school to be live-streamed.

Our LifeGroups and other meetings are continuing, but in a 'virtual environment' only.


REFERENCE

https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/


The UK Government has published a Coronavirus Action Plan. We review this and update the guidance on our website as needed.

All guidance will continue to reflect appropriate Public Health advice.

Our guidance is kept under constant review.

Current Advice from government agencies - 

Public Health Wales and Public Health England

Whilst in Gateway Church, there is no need to avoid other worshippers who are healthy or to change normal faith practices.

Current government guidance is that all worshippers at Gateway Church take usual infection prevention precautions including:


  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • If you feel unwell, stay at home, do not attend church, work or school. It’s imperative that everyone follows clinical advice by contacting NHS 111, and not going to A&E if you develop symptoms.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin. Catch it, Bin it, Kill it.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the church environment.

Specific Steps to be taken at Gateway Church

  • Frequently touched surfaces, particularly in the Cafe and Foyer, will be disinfected frequently throughout the day when in use.
  • Staff will be trained in the proper use of disinfectants.
  • Tissues will be made available for members around the common areas of the building.
  • Posters will be displayed reminding members of the importance of personal hygiene and in particular, frequent and correct hand washing.
  • All food and beverage serving areas will receive additional attention for disinfection on a regular basis. This includes the upstairs kitchen on Sunday mornings.
  • Communion practices will be adjusted for the duration of the heightened alert whereby hygenically pre-packaged elements will be served.

Psalm 91