Greetings to the congregation,
The Lens of the Future committee has been meeting more frequently of late as we watch the active levels of Covid cases in the state rise. While Polk County rates of infection have not risen as fast some, most of the surrounding counties are reporting much higher rates of infection. Because of this we have recommended to the board, starting immediately, masks will be worn by everyone for any activity inside the building. Board members have indicated their support for this recommendation today, and will formally ratify this action, retroactively effective to today, at their meeting next week. If events are already scheduled that have food such as lunch service or snacks involved, masks may be removed while eating but please social distance as much as possible.
Our decisions were not only based on rising active case numbers. We know vaccinated people, if they contract the virus, may not become as ill as someone not vaccinated but we also know the vaccinated can still transmit the Delta variant that is causing our infection rates to rise. Because of the number of unvaccinated children in our congregation, as well as elders and people with compromised immune systems, we feel it is necessary to take this step to protect our most vulnerable.
As we watch these numbers and look at trends in our city and county and those counties surrounding us from which we have members, we also know it may become necessary to draw back further in the days ahead to ensure the safety of all of us.
We, the Lens of the Future committee, did not make this decision lightly. We realize this may come a great disappointment and we share in that with you. We miss you all and look forward to the time we can all be together again.