Defending Against Health Risks In Religious Settings
Leaders, volunteers, and visitors of houses of worship face many tough questions about how to safely engage in religious activities without spreading illness:
How can we protect the congregation, employees, guests, and their children from exposure to viruses?
Should the choir be physically separated from the congregation, or should we use pre-recorded music?
How do we manage shared facilities or indoor spaces while gathering in large groups?
What are the best practices for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces used in religious ceremonies?
With these questions in mind, AIHA has created this “Healthier Workplaces and Schools eBook” to offer practical advice for religious leaders and participants to reduce the risk of transmitting illnesses. The guidance borrows from the latest advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and expert advice from leading health and government organizations.
This guidance applies to various places of worship, including churches, temples, monasteries, synagogues, and mosques.
These guidelines share actionable steps to protect your health at a religious institution, including information on the following areas:
What religious institution leaders and volunteers can do to minimize the spread of illness:
Recommended PPE for leaders and employees of religious institutions
How to properly disinfect high-touch surfaces and seating at houses of worship
Communication and training strategies to encourage ongoing safety
What visitors and congregation members can do to protect themselves:
Self-monitoring practices and how to know if you should not attend a religious ceremony or activity
Hygiene recommendations, including how frequently to wash your hands at a house of worship
What to do if you have to cough or sneeze at a religious institution
Download our “Healthier Workplaces and Schools eBook” today to learn how to participate in religious activities and gatherings safely.