COVID-19 UPDATE: The NY HERO ACT and High Risk Status

Delivering Hope to our community comes in a lot of different forms. One way we deliver it is by prioritizing the flourishing of our neighbor and the least of these. As COVID transmissions in our area rise, we will continue to update our processes and policies to deliver hope to others as best we are able. 

On September 6, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the designation of COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease under the HERO Act. This designation requires all employers to implement workplace safety plans. The plans only need to be implemented if the region is designated as a "high" community transmission rate. For the past week Wyoming County has been in this status [See CDC Status here].

These two factors (HERO Act standards & High Transmission rate) require us to adjust and clarify some policies so that we can serve others well. Here is how this will impact you.

Our BOA is advising us to continue to follow CDC recommendations as they adjust through varied seasons. With our county moving to a "High" Transmission rate, the CDC recommends that all people wear masks when indoors in a public space whether they have been vaccinated or not. This Sunday you will notice signs that recommend you wear a mask in order to best protect the most vulnerable among us from COVID-19.

Furthermore, in an attempt to provide consistency with our children in public schools, everyone who enters the children's wing (children, parents, and volunteers) will be required to keep a mask on while indoors and unable to maintain 6ft of distance. 

We care about the health and safety of our paid staff and the requirements from the state will help us to do all we can to keep them safe. These new requirements only apply to employees, so they will not impact you as an attendee or volunteer serving at Valley Chapel. Nonetheless you may want to be aware of what will be done for our staff. A written policy will be put in place by no later than Sept 30th that outlines the following requirements...

• Documented, on-site, daily health screening
• PPE & face coverings will be provided at no cost to employee
• Masking is required when distance of 6ft cannot be maintained.
• Assurance we will provide handwashing facilities & disinfection supplies
• Routine and documented daily cleaning and disinfecting of shared equipment
• Compliance with mandatory or precautionary orders of isolation

Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns at valleychapelfmc@gmail.com