No one would have guessed that some two years later we would still be navigating COVID realities and having to make decisions based around a virus no one even knew about before 2019. However, here we are, July of 2022 and COVID cases are on the rise again. Community spread in the Greater Cincinnati area is considered “high” risk according to the CDC’s community transmission indicator. Nobody wants to still be dealing with this or constantly having to make adjustments to our daily lives and our community life. It is disruptive, disorienting, and we are all tired of it. Yet, this is our reality.

Check your area either on the CDC or COVIDACTNOW websites – you know the drill. Our counties are recommending the use of masks indoors again due to the high risk of community spread and the rising rate of hospitalizations. This recommendation is in line with the CDC’s recommendations. Cities across the country, including Columbus, are beginning to recommend the use of masks again indoors. Some people think a recommendation is not a strong enough response to the very real and deadly threat that COVID still poses. Others think a recommendation is not needed and people will make the choices they feel are best for them regardless.

However, we owe it to our friends, families, and communities to acknowledge the fact that we are still in the midst of a public health crisis. For some of us, the risk seems minimal enough to go about our lives without a second thought; however, for others the risk continues to loom large and would be very costly. For this reason, we continue to monitor the rate of COVID in our area and make thoughtful recommendations for our community, in order to remain a safe and hospitable worshiping space for all.

With this in mind, Sessions should consider shifting from MASKS OPTIONAL to MASKS RECOMMENDED. If you continue to have coffee hour I RECOMMEND folks enjoy their food and drink outside as the weather permits, while spread in our area remains high. We recognize the importance of fellowship time and the ways in which this also offers a safe place for many and connection is important to our health as well. Continue to be loving to one another as we may not all make the same choice. However, this is an acknowledgement of our continued responsibility for one another and care for our beloved community. Please continue to greet one another with empathy and care as we navigate these circumstances together.

Blessings and prayer,
Lisa Allgood
Executive Presbyter Presbytery of Cincinnati