Date Approved: October 13, 2021
Review Date: March 2022 Council meeting OR upon changes in provincial vaccination policies
Related Documents and Policies:
Covid Safety Plan for the QUC Workplace
QUC Rentals Plan for Safe Opening During Covid-19
QUC Mandatory Use of Mask Policy
QUC Plan for Inside Worship During the Pandemic
https://eoorc.ca/resources/covid-19/
Opening Statement
QUC encourages all those who are medically able, to pursue full vaccination, as the scientifically-accepted means to optimally protect those attending worship and other activities in our buildings and on our premises.
This policy refers to activities held inside QUC buildings, and does not refer to outdoor events.
Worship
In order to attend indoor worship services at QUC, you are required to provide provincially-sanctioned proof of vaccination, unless you belong to a population group that is exempted under provincial legislation. The church will not retain a file of the documents provided to prove vaccination status, but will maintain in the church office a list of those who have proven their vaccination status, for future reference. The list will be treated with the utmost privacy. Those who are exempted under provincial legislation are not required to provide proof of exemption.
Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals
Those attending weddings, baptisms, and funerals at QUC, including those attending the reception only, are required to provide proof of vaccination. It is the responsibility of the person booking the wedding, baptism or funeral to provide someone to verify vaccination status.
Ministry and Office Staff, and Worship leaders
QUC ministry and office staff are required to provide provincially-sanctioned proof of vaccination to M&P. A note will be made on their file, but the proof will not be kept on file. Those who are exempted under provincial legislation are not required to provide proof of exemption.
Individuals who attend worship at QUC in positions of worship leadership, such as Choir Director, Pianist, and pulpit and music supply, are required to provide proof of vaccination. Their proof will not be kept on file, but a list will be maintained of those who have provided proof, for future reference. The list will be treated with the utmost privacy. Those who are exempted under provincial legislation are not required to provide proof of exemption.
Council, Committees of Council, Trustees, and other Governance Bodies
Members of QUC governing bodies, in their capacities as volunteers, are not required to provide proof of vaccination.
Other Church-Sponsored Groups
Church-sponsored groups such as Men’s Club, Craft Group, Quilting Group, or Religious Studies Group may decide whether they wish to require proof of vaccination for their group members or not. They can require vaccination without demanding proof.
Rental Groups
QUC encourages all users of our premises to become vaccinated, but does not require proof of vaccination status of rental groups unless it is mandated by provincial legislation. Those groups which are required by provincial legislation to collect proof of vaccination from their members are responsible for carrying out the verification. The person responsible for the group will attest to their compliance as part of their written Covid 19 Plan, as required under QUC’s QUC Rentals Plan for Safe Opening during Covid-19.
Those Entering QUC Buildings for Business Purposes
Congregation and community members, repair workers, contractors, volunteers, or others who enter QUC buildings for work or business purposes, such as to buy food cards, negotiate rental agreements, sign cheques, or other, are not required to provide proof of vaccination. Likewise, congregation or community members who drop by the chapel when open to attend quietly in the sanctuary, do not have to provide proof of vaccination.
