RCNA – Chilliwack COVID-19 Safety Plan

Last Reviewed: September 18, 2020

RCNA Chilliwack COVID-19 Safety Plan Page 1

1 CONTENTS

2 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 2

3 COVID-19 Safety Policies ....................................................................................................................... 2

3.1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................. 3

4 Safety Procedures ................................................................................................................................. 3

4.1 Establishment of Distinct Spaces .................................................................................................. 3

4.1.1 Requirements to define and maintain space ........................................................................ 4

4.1.2 Maintaining physical distancing within each space .............................................................. 4

4.2 Contact Information Databases .................................................................................................... 5

4.3 Establishing cohorts ...................................................................................................................... 5

4.4 Worship Service ............................................................................................................................ 6

4.5 Bathroom Safety Protocols ........................................................................................................... 6

4.6 Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols ............................................................................................. 6

4.6.1 Identification & cleaning frequency of high contact surfaces .............................................. 7

4.6.2 Bathroom cleaning ................................................................................................................ 8

4.6.3 Cleaning and disinfectant training ........................................................................................ 8

4.6.4 Cleaning and disinfectant agents used ................................................................................. 8

4.7 HVAC maintenance ....................................................................................................................... 9

4.8 Occupational First Aid Attendants (OFAA) .................................................................................... 9

5 Communication and Training Plan ...................................................................................................... 10

6 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 10

Appendix 1: Detailed Space Plans ............................................................................................................... 11

Appendix 2: RCNA Chilliwack COVID-19 Health & Safety Program Summary ............................................ 13

Appendix 3: Disinfectant Label ................................................................................................................... 14

Appendix 4: Bathroom Safety Procedure Signage ...................................................................................... 15

Appendix 5: Sample Contact Record........................................................................................................... 16

Appendix 6: Occupancy Limit Sign .............................................................................................................. 17

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2 INTRODUCTION

This COVID-19 safety plan is built in humble acknowledgement and submission to God’s omnipotence

and providence. The plan accepts the role our civil government has in imposing regulations upon us

insofar they are in accordance with God’s Word. God’s revealed will as recorded in the Bible, however, is

to be our ultimate guide. With William Perkins, we confess that all our actions ought to be directed to

God’s glory, the good advantage of our brethren and to hurt of none1.

God’s word teaches us in Hebrews 10:25 to “Not forsake the assembling of ourselves together,” and we

confess our belief in “one holy catholic church, and the communion of saints.” David prays: ”One thing

have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of

my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.”(Psalm 27:4) Upon the

dedication of the temple, Solomon prays that the Lord will hear from the highest heaven if the people

return unto Him under times pestilence. Thus, coming together to worship is an important element of

our doctrine.

In light of our faith in God, and in order to meet with our civil government requirements, this plan was

developed by the RCNA COVID-19 Advisory Committee with input from the custodial and facility

maintenance team, the congregation’s First Aid team, and front-line health care workers. This plan

attempts to identify and implement safety precautions that do not conflict with our ability to worship.

Paul directs us in 1 Corinthians 14 that all things ought to be done decently and orderly. For practical

guidance pertaining to the development of appropriate site-specific safety precautions, this health and

safety program relies on guidance from WorkSafeBC, the BC Center for Disease Control and other

professionals.

3 COVID-19 SAFETY POLICIES

Worshipping a Triune God who rules and directs all things to His glory and the salvation of His elect, the

RCNA – Chilliwack subjects itself to God’s revealed will as recorded in the Holy Bible, summarized in the

three forms of unity, and expounded by our forefathers. God’s Word also teaches us that national

calamities are God’s judgements over land and nation under which we must humble ourselves and

return unto Him, while undertaking all safety measures that do not rob God of His Glory. Finally, we look

towards our civil government as God’s servants - obeying their instructions in all things insofar they

agree with God’s Word.

In consideration of this, the following COVID-19 policy statements guide the development of safety

protocols and answer our government’s call for regulations:

1. Safety: The RCNA Chilliwack takes safety precautions as lawful means to help congregants from

being exposed to COVID-19 while in church.

2. Health: The RCNA Chilliwack forbids congregants from attending worship services if they have

visible symptoms of COVID-19.

1 Perkins, W. “The Works of William Perkins” Vol. 5:145. Ed. J. Stephen Yuille, Beeke and Thomas. Reformation Heritage Books. 2017

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3. Physical Distancing: The RCNA Chilliwack implements engineering and administrative controls to

promote physical distancing in church.

4. Occupancy Limits: The RCNA Chilliwack implements engineering and administrative controls to

provide occupancy limits in each space to facilitate physical distancing within each space and the

ability for effective contact tracing.

5. Cleaning: The RCNA Chilliwack enhanced cleaning between services or functions with a Health

Canada Approved Disinfectant.

6. Contact Lists: The RCNA Chilliwack maintains contact lists of all congregants attending specific

services or functions for a minimum of 30 days, and will release these lists to the Health

Authorities if required.

3.1 SCOPE The COVID-19 Safety Polices and subsequent procedures apply to the entire property located at 48952

Yale Road, Chilliwack BC, and the worship services organized by the Consistory of the Reformed

Congregation of North America at Chilliwack (RCNA Chilliwack). They extend to all members and

congregants attending the services or functions held in the church.

These policies and procedures will remain in affect for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Order.

These policies will be reviewed when COVID-19 regulations change, and at a minimum annually.

4 SAFETY PROCEDURES

A protocol is defined as a set of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in

formal situations. The following protocols are implemented at the RCNA Chilliwack in response to the

COVID-19 pandemic.

4.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTINCT SPACES A key pillar in British Columbia’s Public Health directive is limiting the occupancy per space to 50 people.

WorkSafeBC provides this direction: "Places of worship are subject to the provincial health

officer’s order on gatherings and events, which prohibits gatherings of 50 people or more. A maximum

of 50 people should be allowed in for a service at any one time and ensure the occupancy limit allows

for individuals or households to remain at least 2 metres at any time. In large facilities with more than

one area of worship, the 50 patron limit applies to each area within the facility, not to the facility as a

whole.”2 Furthermore, the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control states: “In large buildings that

have multiple spaces, as long as groups do not mix, a gathering less than 50 people in one space and a

gathering less than 50 people in a separate space does not contravene the mass gathering order.”3

2 “Faith-based organizations: Protocols for returning to operation”. WorksafeBC, July 31, 2020, https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/covid-19-returning-safe-operation/faith-based-organizations 3 British Columbia Ministry of Health, “Guidance for Faith Based Organizations to Prevent COVID-19 Transmission”. BC Center for Disease Control, July 17, 2020, http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID_public_guidance/Guidance_Faith_Based.pdf

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Lastly, WorksafeBC verbally confirmed that multiple spaces may use common bathrooms and entrances

if deemed acceptable after conducting a risk assessment.

4.1.1 Requirements to define and maintain space

In accordance with its Occupancy Limit Policy, the RCNA-Chilliwack establishes occupancy limits of 50

people per space. “Space” is defined as an area inside or outside, physically separated and operating as

a stand-alone entity. In order to establish spaces within the sanctuary, the following requirements must

be achieved for each space:

1. Enable individual households to sit a minimum of 2 meters apart.

2. Prevent cross-over of people or objects between spaces by installing plexiglass barriers

between spaces within the sanctuary or exit corridors.

3. Have a dedicated vehicle parking zone.

4. Allocation of a specific bathroom.

5. Allocation of a specific entrance.

All these details are recorded on the church floor plans recorded in Appendix 1 and which will be

provided to the members of the congregation and clearly posted in each space. Any time the space

configuration will change, updated plans will be provided to the members and reposted.

The All Purpose Room will only be used for educational purposes. The consistory must approve the

event and appoint an event organizer who will ensure the safety precautions in section 4.1.2 and 4.2 are

adhered to.

4.1.2 Maintaining physical distancing within each space

In accordance with its Physical Distancing Policy, the RCNA-Chilliwack will implement the following

safety protocols specifically for each space:

1. In order to avoid pew sanitization, seating will be restricted to every 3rd pew, and each pew will only

be used once per day. Pews that are not to be used will be identified with a blue colored paper

placed at the front of the pew stating: “Please do not use this pew”.

2. Entry greetings and Ushers

a) Each entrance to a space will have the following:

i. Posted Occupancy limits. Common rooms such as bathrooms and meeting rooms within

each space will have separate posted occupancy limit. (See Appendix 6)

ii. Access restriction guidelines stating visitors who are showing COVID-19 symptoms, or who

have been advised by a public health official to self-isolate, are not to enter.

iii. Safety measures implemented in the space.

iv. Hand sanitizer at the entrance for all members to use.

v. Ensure ushers remain at least 2 metres from visitors and others or have them stand behind

a plexiglass barrier.

Note: The custodial staff is responsible for preparing these requirements prior to the

service.

b) Each entrance to a space will have an appointed usher from the cohort using that space who

will:

i. Stagger the dismissal of households to maintain a minimum 2 meters between households.

ii. Validate cohort lists and record any deviations.

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iii. Ensure occupancy limits are maintained.

iv. Observe and enforce that social distancing policies.

v. Answer questions and provide reminders to members regarding the health and safety

policies and procedures.

vi. Maintain 2 meters of distance and/or wear a cloth mask while discharging congregants after

the service.

vii. Request the COVID-19 Usher Coordinator to substitute if unable to perform the usher

responsibilities during a particular service.

3. No hand shaking or other forms of close contact between congregants on the premises.

4. Congregants shall sit at least 2m from the center of the aisle, unless the seats are separated by

plexiglass barriers.

4.2 CONTACT INFORMATION DATABASES The British Columbia Public Health Agency emphasizes the need for rapid, accurate and complete

tracing of a clinically confirmed COVID-19 patient’s social contacts. The following contact management

protocols will facilitate Public Health’s tracing activities if a member would be diagnosed with COVID-19:

1. Contact information for all members attending the RCNA worship services is collected and

maintained by Deacon J. Kerkhoff

2. Members who invite guests for a specific worship service must receive prior approval from

Deacon A. Treur, who will register the following guest contact information:

a. First and last name of all guests

b. Contact telephone and/or email address

3. Weekly attendance lists per space inside the sanctuary will be validated and maintained by the

designated usher. These lists will be archived by Deacon A. Treur for a minimum of 30 days. A

copy of the contact list template is attached to this safety plan.

4. Weekly attendance lists will be surrendered to a medical health officer upon their request.

4.3 ESTABLISHING COHORTS In order to effectively implement the various COVID-19 safety policies and for the worship services to be

conducted orderly and decently, the congregation will be divided into cohorts of 50 people according to

the following guidelines:

1. The consistory will determine cohort composition.

2. Only congregants who have requested to attend worship services will be included.

3. Specific seating location requests will be honored on a case-by-case basis.

4. The organist forms part of the cohort assigned to the space where the organ is located.

5. At least two approved First Aid Attendants will be included in each service, and preferably one

First Aid Attendant will be assigned to each cohort.

6. The consistory will email the cohort lists to the congregants one day before the worship service.

7. Each cohort list will have a clearly identified usher.

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4.4 WORSHIP SERVICE 1. The manner of worship will follow the protocols established by the Synod of Dordt in 1618-

16194 as follows:

i. Opening song

ii. Reading of the law of the Lord

iii. Reading a portion of the Holy Scripture by an appointed reader

iv. Votum

v. Benediction

vi. Prayer

vii. Collection of Alms

i. Collection of Alms in church will be suspended until the COVID-19 Provincial

Health Orders are rescinded.

viii. Middle song, all members remain seated

ix. Ministry of the Word, interrupted by a song

x. Prayer

xi. Closing song

xii. Benediction

xiii. Remain seated or standing until ushered out due to COVID-19

2. Church telephone is provided for free to members who are lawfully hindered from attending the

worship service in person.

4.5 BATHROOM SAFETY PROTOCOLS In order to adhere to the RCNA Physical Distancing and Occupancy Limit Policies, the following protocols

have been implemented with respect to bathrooms in the church:

1. Congregants are encouraged to refrain from using bathrooms unless absolutely necessary.

2. Specific bathrooms have been allocated to specific spaces.

3. In order to ensure physical distancing, occupancy limits of 2 per bathroom have been

established.

4. Every other bathroom stall is marked “Do not use”, and only 1 urinal is in use per bathroom.

5. Posted occupancy limits and guidelines are posted outside each bathroom.

6. Safe hand-hygiene protocols are posted in each bathroom.

3. Hand sanitizer will be available in each bathroom. Instructions will be posted in each bathroom

explaining hand-hygiene protocols. Appendix 3 shows the signage that will be posted in each

bathroom.

4.6 CLEANING AND DISINFECTING PROTOCOLS Cleaning and disinfectant are two different activities. The purpose of cleaning is to remove any visible

signs of soil which include dust, grease, litter etc. This can be done with soap and water, a duster or

4 “Order of Worship.” The Psalter, Wm. B. Eerdams Publishing Company 1991 Special Arrangement. Grand Rapids. 2018

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other mechanical method. Disinfecting is the process of reducing microbial accumulation on a surface

and must be done with specific products and safety equipment.

According to the RCNA COVID-19 cleaning policy, all high contact surface areas will be cleaned and

disinfected between worship service or church functions (e.g. meetings), using an alcohol based Health

Canada approved hard-surface disinfectant posted on its website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-

canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19/hand-sanitizer.html.

The following procedures are used in achieving the COVID-19 cleaning policy:

1. Identify high contact surface areas.

2. Define cleaning and disinfectant frequency.

3. Assign responsibility for each high contact surface area.

4. Provide training in cleaning and disinfectant procedures to appropriate people.

4.6.1 Identification & cleaning frequency of high contact surfaces

High contact surfaces are identified by observing congregant behavior while entering and exiting the

church. The cleaning and disinfectant procedure for each surface is dependant on the type of surface.

The following table defines high contact surfaces and their respective cleaning and disinfectant

requirements:

High Contact Surface Definition

Identified Surfaces Cleaning & Disinfectant Requirement

Responsibility

1 Surface must be touched to enter or exit a space or room. Examples include hand rails and door knobs.

- Bathroom and consistory room door handles

- Stair hand-rails

Disinfect after each service and clean monthly

Custodian

2 Surface must be touched in order for a person to use a specific device commonly used. Examples include bathroom faucets, toilet levers and hand towel dispensers. NOTE: Bathrooms have additional cleaning requirements detailed in Section 4.5.2

- Faucets - Toilet levers - Hand towel

dispenser - Computer

keyboards / controls

- Organ

Disinfect after each service, clean weekly

Custodian and Janitorial staff

3 Any surface that comes in contact with body fluids. Examples include toilets and sinks.

Toilet bowl, sink, areas that are spoiled during an illness incident

After each service or incident

Custodian

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4.6.2 Bathroom cleaning

In addition to the cleaning schedule noted in 4.5.1, bathrooms will have the following additional safety

measures:

1. All waste baskets will be covered with a foot-operated lid

2. All water fountains will be disabled and signs posted that they are not to be used

3. If the Custodian observes more than 6 people using the bathroom before the service begins,

he will clean disinfect the sink, taps and door handles before the service begins.

4.6.3 Cleaning and disinfectant training

In order to achieve the COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting policy, careful training of staff is required.

Training will include:

1. Basic theories behind cleaning and disinfecting

2. Safe handling, use and storage of disinfectants, including the use of PPE

4.6.4 Cleaning and disinfectant agents used

The following table defines the types of products to be used in the church for cleaning and disinfecting,

along with the requisite PPE.

Product Name Purpose PPE requirements

1 Mr. CleanTM Cleaning. Remove surface stains, grease and soil on all hard surfaces

Gloves

2. ZEP Spirit II Disinfectant. Cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects surfaces.

Gloves and eye protection

3. Hand Soap Wash hands for 20 seconds if visibly soiled after leaving the bathroom

4. Hand Sanitizer Sanitize. Reduce microbes on hands when washing with soap and water for 20 seconds is not possible

None.

5. Klinger Bowl Urinal and Porcelain Cleaner

Cleaning: To remove buildup in toilet bowls and urinals

Gloves, eye and face protection

6. Health Gard Bio-Enzyme Deodorant

Cleaning: breaks down organic matter on carpets. To be used prior to disinfection if vomit is spilled on carpet or upholstery

None

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4.7 HVAC MAINTENANCE Improved air circulation and air filtering can contribute to the prevention of Covid-19 spreading, as

determined by studies undertaken by Advanced Industries Practices5.

In consultation with the HVAC specialists at Neels Heating Supplies who installed and services the church

systems, they have advised and implemented the following system improvements:

• Install MERV 13 rated air filters on all units supplying heating and cooling into the

sanctuary. These filters are rated to capture from 50% to 85% of particles 0.3-1.0 microns in size

(e.g. smoke and exhalation droplets) and are recommended for such places as day surgery and

general surgery facilities and smoking lounges.

• Reconfigure the HVAC system to increase intake of fresh outside air from currently

approximately 10% to approximately 40%.

4.8 OCCUPATIONAL FIRST AID ATTENDANTS (OFAA) The following protocols have been adapted from WorksafeBC guidance documents6, and have been

implemented to promote the safety of the appointed First Aid Attendants:

1. During an emergency response, if possible gather the following information:

a. Are critical interventions likely required

b. Are there any obvious signs of COVID-19

i. If the patient is stable, has mild symptoms or is not in distress, instruct patient

to go for testing

ii. If the patient is having difficulty breathing, arrange for transport to hospital &

call ahead

2. If no critical interventions are required, when appropriate interview the patient from at least

2 meters, asking if anyone in the household is sick or in COVID-19 isolation, or if the patient

has had contact with anyone sick with COVID-19

3. When you arrive at the patient location, assess the situation:

a. Can the patient self-treat while the OFAA provides direction?

b. If yes, direct the patient to follow first aid instructions

4. If providing direct patient care (within 2 m), don appropriate PPE

a. N95 face mask & shield if available

b. Gloves

c. Patient could don a surgical mask or clear face shield if appropriate

5. After patient care is completed or care is transferred to medical staff, remove and wash any

PPE that is not disposable. Perform hand hygiene.

5 Balgeman, S. et al. “Can HVAC Systems Prevent Transmission of COVID-19?”. McKinsey and Company. July 9,

2020. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/advanced-electronics/our-insights/can-hvac-systems-help-

prevent-transmission-of-covid-19

6 “OFFA protocols during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” WorksafeBC. https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/information-sheets/ofaa-protocols-covid-19-pandemic?lang=en. September 9, 2020

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6. CPR & AED protocols

a. OFAA’s should perform compression-only CPR

b. If there is more than one trained OFAA with appropriate PPE, change places after

every 1-2 minutes to prevent first responder fatigue

c. Assisted ventilation (OFA level 3 responders only) to sue a Bag-Valve Mask

7. The appointed First Aid Coordinator is responsible for ensuring appropriate PPE is available in

the Church’s First Aid Room.

5 COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING PLAN

Effective communication is paramount. This COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan in its entirety, along with

the executive summary shown in Appendix 2, will be emailed to all congregants and posted in each

space. Additionally, routines and procedures will be verbally explained and or demonstrated to

congregants as they arrive at the sanctuary or meeting halls.

The following people will receive formal training of the contents of this Health and Safety Program:

- Custodian and Assistant Custodians

- Ushers

- Janitorial staff

These groups of people will receive training by two experienced educators on the RCNA COVID-19

Advisory Committee. As changes and updates are made to this program, the training leaders will contact

the appropriate groups to provide the requisite training.

The two consistory members who form part of the RCNA COVID-19 Advisory Committee will monitor the

congregants, custodial staff, janitorial staff, and the ushers to ensure compliance, and that the Health

and Safety Plan is followed in its entirety. Furthermore, the chair of this committee is responsible for

ensuring this Health and Safety plan remains relevant and up to date.

This Safety Guide will be emailed to the congregants and posted in each space.

6 CONCLUSION

This RCNA Chilliwack COVID-19 Safety Program is designed to enable our congregation to frequent God’s

House of Prayer on Sunday more regularly. It is prepared as a result of the British Columbia Public

Health Emergency Order and WorksafeBC directives. However, after all safety precautions have been

followed, we must still confess with David in Psalm 127: “except the LORD keep the city, the watchman

waketh but in vain,” and that “our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm

124:8)

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APPENDIX 2: RCNA CHILLIWACK COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY PROGRAM

SUMMARY

COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan Summary for RCNA Chilliwack

In order to meet safety requirements for church attendance and congregational gatherings the following

protocols will be in place:

1. The Sanctuary will be divided into distinct spaces to meet the Provincial Health Officer and

WorksafeBC requirements by implementing the following protocols:

a. Seating arrangements to ensure a 2 meter separation between households

b. Plastic barriers installed between spaces to avoid droplet cross-over and groups from

mixing

c. Allocate specific entrance to specific space

d. Allocate specific bathroom to specific space

e. Parking will be organized to specific space.

2. Ushers will be stationed at each designated entrance before and after services.

a. Ushers will:

i. Maintain 2 meter physical distancing and/or wear a mask

ii. Greet congregants at their designated entrance to ensure compliance and a

smooth entry and exit of the sanctuary.

iii. Record any inconsistencies between actual attendance and the prescribed

cohort list.

iv. After the service usher members out of the sanctuary beginning with those

seated closest to the exit.

v. Collaborate with other ushers to arrange cohort exit order to avoid mingling of

cohorts in corridors

3. Congregants will:

a. Refrain from attending church services if they are posing any COVID-19 symptoms.

b. Familiarize themselves with the Health and Safety Plan before arriving at church.

c. Park in their designated area on the parking lot.

d. Sanitize their hands as they enter the sanctuary through their designated entrance.

e. Be seated in their designated space, and as far away from the pathway as practical.

f. Practice safe sneezing practices as explained in BCCDC guidelines (sneeze into arm)

g. Use the bathroom only if absolutely necessary.

h. Remain in their place after the service until dismissed by an usher.

i. Agree to abide by the policies and procedures stipulated in this plan.

j. Ask any RCNA COVID-19 Advisory Committee Member for clarification on any item

related to this Health and Safety Program if necessary.

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APPENDIX 3: DISINFECTANT LABEL

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APPENDIX 4: BATHROOM SAFETY PROCEDURE SIGNAGE

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APPENDIX 5: SAMPLE CONTACT RECORD

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APPENDIX 6: OCCUPANCY LIMIT SIGN

https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/posters/help-prevent-spread-covid-19-

occupancy-limit?lang=en