Task Force Update Regarding Church Closure

Dear St. Andrew Congregation,

In careful consideration of the latest guidelines from King County Public Health, it was decided on Wednesday, March 18 to request that Manatial de Vida (MdV) discontinue use of the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church building until King County revises their recommendations around social distancing.

MdV was the only group continuing to use the Church facility after Session's March 9th decision to suspend St. Andrew's corporate worship and the Outbreak Task Force's March 11th decision to prohibit use by outside groups. Because of their unique status as a tenant during the time of less stringent social distancing requirements, the Task Force allowed Manatial to make their own decision regarding use of the Church after Pastor Scott presented them with the news of St. Andrew's suspension.

Federal guidance now suggests the suspension of organized gatherings, and on March 16, 2020, King County Public Health issued emergency orders designed to minimize the health impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19). These orders state the following:

• Prohibit all large gatherings of more than 50 people.
• Prohibit gatherings of less than 50 people, unless event organizers take steps to minimize risk.
  
  

If your gathering, event, or service will draw MORE than 50 people, it may not proceed. If it has LESS than 50 people, you MUST take all the following steps to minimize risk. If you cannot take the following steps, then the event is prohibited by the Health Order.

King County clearly outlines these steps, which can be read by accessing this link.  

Because St. Andrew is not in a position to ensure that another group using the Church would be able to strictly comply with these required steps (nor can we monitor compliance), the responsible course of action is to close the Church.

The Task Force is also encouraging the Golden Hammer and Saw Team to suspend their activities to the extent possible; however, St. Andrew will remain accessible for administrative work that can be completed while in compliance with King County's emergency orders.


Yours faithfully,
 

Andrea Shirey and Teresa Platin, Co-Chairs
The St. Andrew Outbreak Task Force