COVID-19 Resources
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18 East 34th Street
Savannah, Georgia 31401
Revised guidance effective January 17, 2021
Start here: Click this link to read why we are making these changes at this time and an overview of the detailed plan: Revising our guidance
Click this link for a PDF file with guidance for every level in a single PDF file: January 17, 20201 guidance
Yellow |
| Orange 25-34.9 cases per 100,000 in your county and hospitals are at less than 85% capacity. |
| Red 35 to 59.9 cases per 100,000 in your county and hospitals are at less than 90% capacity. |
| Dark Red 60 cases per 100,000 in your county or more OR hospitals are at greater than 90% capacity. NO in person gatherings, virtual worship only (livestream, pre-recorded, Zoom, etc.) |
Link to see case counts in your county: Link to see inpatient bed capacity in your region: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/47c1cee4d02542bea35bc3324d6cf5e3 |
NOTE: Congregations may move to the lower level of guidance (such as from orange to yellow) after 14 days of being under the threshold for that level. -12 Step groups will be a case by case with approval of Bishop. -Funerals, baptisms, and weddings will be case by case with approval of Bishop. |
Guidelines on Cleaning and Disinfecting
The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads most often by respiratory droplets. When someone infected with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or talks, respiratory droplets that contain the virus go into the air and can be breathed in by someone nearby. Less often, the virus can get into your body if it is on a surface that you touch and you then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus cannot get into the body through your skin.
- Cleaning removes dirt and most germs and is usually done with soap and water.
- Disinfecting kills most germs. How well it works depends on the type of chemical used and on using the chemical product only as directed on the label.
Routine cleaning and disinfecting
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched a lot at least daily. Clean between worship services. Items to disinfect include:
- Door knobs and handles
- Stair rails
- Pews
- Handrails
- Light switches
It is not necessary to always use disinfectants as some hard surfaces are rarely touched, for example, floors or bookcases.
Soft surfaces, such as pew cushions, do not need disinfecting or cleaning after every use of the space. When you do clean these surfaces, use products that are approved by the EPA for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 and that are suitable for porous surfaces.
See CDC: Cleaning and Disinfection for Households (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cleaning-disinfection.html).
Where can I find online worship?
We have a livestream worship calendar listing all the online worship of the Diocese with links to the services. Click here: Livestream Worship Calendar
Virtual Visitation Customary – Bishop Logue’s customary in place for a way to be with congregations of the Diocese of Georgia even before we return to in-person worship. Revised July 20, 2020
Legislative Acts and SBA Loans
Application Guidance for the Paycheck Protection Program
The main features of the CARES Act for small businesses are emergency grants and a forgivable loan program for companies (including non-profits) with 500 or fewer employees to assist in making payroll and other other financial obligations. Churches may receive these loans and this document guides the congregations of the Diocese of Georgia with that application process.
This Legislative Guidance Document offers a summary of some of the new legislation that has been passed at a federal level together with some analysis and recommendations to work with our congregations and employees as we move forward.
Canon Easterlin conducted a webinar for those churches who have received the Paycheck Protection Plan funding. Easterlin was a review of the policy along with advice and guidance on next steps to prepare for the forgiveness of the loan.
To review the Power Point presentation with links, click here.
To hear Canon Easterlin’s voiceover for the presentation, click here.
We also offer these additional resources:
- Frequently Asked Questions regarding Faith-Based Organizations taking part in SBA Loans
- A Flowchart on Unemployment Government Support
- Church Alliance Summary of CARES Act Provisions
- Webinar slides on the Paycheck Protection Program
- Employee Rights Poster to email to employees as official notice
- Paycheck Protection Plan FAQs
- Resolution Concerning CARES Act and Indebtedness
Resources for congregation leaders
Congregation Budget Relief
The Diocese is aware that congregations are looking at their 2020 budgets and making plans to reduce spending in response to the current crisis. The document linked above offers guidance on available financial resources and payment relief efforts for congregations.
Remote Giving Options
Click the link above to learn about method available for pledges and direct donations from your congregants and community partners, which are helpful not only during this time of distancing, but perhaps particularly so now.
Tips for Video Recording and Streaming
Some tips for church looking into streaming their worship services.
Workplace Flexibility Guidelines
Click the link above for guidance on the key essentials for a successful workplace flexibility plan.
Strategic Planning During a Crisis
Questions and tips to use during strategic planning session to assist planning during a crisis.