COVID Guidance

St Stephen currently does not require the wearing of masks to attend in-person worship services, Sunday School classes and Bible Studies, but strongly recommends that you do so based upon recent CDC recommendations.  People are free  to wear masks for in-person events. We monitor CDC, state, and local COVID restrictions. We also monitor guidance from the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church and from the East District. 

Here is the latest guidance we are following from the CDC.  It is divided into two categories – vaccinated and unvaccinated.

If you are vaccinated:  

1. You can participate in many of the activities that you did before the pandemic. 
2. To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial  or high transmission.  The state of Texas and Tarrant county (as of Aug 16th) are considered high transmission areas.
3. Wearing a mask is most important if you have a weakened immune system or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are, increased risk for severe disease , or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated. 
4. Stay at home when you are sick.
5. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or use hand sanitizer at 60% alcohol).

If you haven’t been vaccinated yet:  

1. Correctly and consistently wear a mask that completely covers your nose and mouth.
2. Stay at least six feet from others who do not live with you.
3. Avoid crowds.
4. Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
5. Stay at home when you are sick.
6. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or use hand sanitizer at 60% alcohol).
7. Get vaccinated when the vaccine is available to you.
8. Get tested if you have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or if you think may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.