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LifeGroups Safety Guidelines for 2020 - 2021

How We're Moving Forward

Things may look different, but we're still meeting together! In alignment with recommendations from the CDC and the safety guidelines of our campus, we believe LifeGroups are an integral way our campus family continues to pursue belonging and community; therefore, we encourage LifeGroups with the following suggested safety recommendations:

GROUP & LEADER GUIDELINES

Show Empathy

There are many differences of opinions about the safest ways to gather.  We urge you as a leader to exercise great care as you communicate to those with divergent points of view.  Wherever possible, make allowance for those who, for instance, wish to be around those wearing masks while accommodating others who do not.  Attempt to communicate love and compassion for others in sharing your recommendations.  We strongly advise against attempting to manipulate, cajole, ridicule or force individuals to behave outside the dictates of their conscience.  As our spiritual theme for this year encourages us “United: Pursuing Jesus Together”, we pray you will find ways to grow diverse, meaningful friendships during this difficult time, even or especially with those who may disagree with you.

Size of LifeGroup
LifeGroup should not exceed a maximum of 12 individuals gathered together at one time. Online GroupLink registration process for LifeGroup members will maintain this size.
Location of LifeGroup
Whenever possible, gather outdoors.  Only a very small number of positive Covid-19 cases are traced to outdoor interactions. In any circumstance that requires your LifeGroup to move indoors, we believe enclosed spaces with recirculated air become a greater risk the longer the group meets which emphasizes the need to limit the LifeGroup to no more than one hour weekly. Free Zoom accounts will be made available to any LifeGroup leader wanting to hold their weekly meetings online either for the entire group or for members who feel uncomfortable meeting in person.
General Precautions Members Should Follow
Feeling unwell: If you are sick with COVID-19, were recently exposed (within 14 days) to someone with COVID-19, or just don’t feel well, do not attend an in-person LifeGroup meeting. We suggest joining the LifeGroup meeting online if available.

Social distance: The CDC and the Hamilton County Health Department recommend maintaining a 6-foot physical distance, even outdoors.

Wear masks: At this time, according to the Hamilton County Health Department, face coverings should be worn at all times when indoors even if individuals are able to maintain appropriate physical distancing. Face coverings are not required outdoors only if individuals are able to stay 6 feet apart. Wearing a mask is a cultural shift that we must all make in order to protect those around us. Wearing a mask means you care.”

Have hand sanitizer readily available.

Pay careful attention to minimize the need to touch common surfaces and clean them regularly where necessary.
Food at LifeGroups
To mitigate the risks surrounding COVID-19, in alignment with the policies of the University, no food (even prepackaged food) should be served at LifeGroup gatherings at this time.
Attendance Records
LifeGroup leaders are required to take weekly attendance via Planning Center Online. If you are a LifeGroup leader and need assistance with PCO, please contact lifegroups@southern.edu.