IMPORTANT UPDATE After careful consideration, the Board of Trustees Leadership of First Unitarian, Chicago have concluded that due to the current rise in COVID-19 cases, the Christmas Eve Vespers and Communion service as well as this Sunday’s Kwanzaa service will not be held in person, but conducted via Zoom. This action is taken for the safety of the church membership and community.
Dear Community,
We are writing to update you on a recent development regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). We have learned that a member of the First Unitarian community has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was last at the church on on December 19, 2021. The individual tested positive on December 21.
Those identified as having been in prolonged close contact with this individual were notified via a separate communication as able.
As a reminder, close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more.
Those who had brief, casual contact with an infected individual are not considered at great risk of transmission.
For most people, the illness is generally mild and can be safely managed at home.
As always, all community members should monitor their health and are required by law to stay at home if they develop symptoms.
Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
We continue to work closely with CDPH and follow the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidelines as we ensure proper protocols and preventative measures are in place for the health and safety of our membership and visitors.
For the time being, all persons must continue to wear masks when entering and exiting building, in all common areas, including lobbies, elevators, hallways and restrooms, and when people cannot maintain six feet of distance. Unvaccinated persons should wear a face covering at all times.
On site, everyone is encouraged to take advantage of wipes and hand sanitizer, and engage in frequent hand washing. Masks, wipes and hand sanitizer are available for your use.
Public Health Guidance
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle/body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your medical provider to discuss whether you need to be evaluated in person or tested.
If your symptoms are severe, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or difficulty waking up, or bluish lips or face, please seek the closest emergency department or call 9-1-1 immediately.
Any individuals who are sick or exhibiting symptoms must stay home from work. Stay home and away from others for at least 10 days since your symptoms first appeared and at least 24 hours with no fever (without using fever-reducing medications) and improved symptoms, whichever is longer.
For any additional COVID-19 questions or support, please visit www.chicago.gov/coronavirus for the most reliable information. If you do not find the information you need on the website, email coronavirus@chicago.gov.