As we prepare for Annual Conference 2022, we remain in an active pandemic. COVID rates in Pitt County, our conference location, are now at high levels of community transmission. Wherein the current dominant variant is far less debilitating to most people’s health, it is far more transmissible. For this reason, we want you to know the steps we encourage to help people remain COVID free.
- We strongly urge everyone to take a rapid COVID test before journeying to Annual Conference. If you test positive, please do not come to Annual Conference. Follow the CDC quarantine guidelines found here: COVID Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines.
- If you are sick or feeling ill before Annual Conference, please do not come to Annual Conference. Seek medical help through your primary medical provider.
- We strongly urge everyone to wear masks while participating at Annual Conference. If you do not have a mask, we can provide standard 3-ply or KN95 masks. You can pick up a mask at the registration table. Your mask will help you keep others safe.
- We will not be singing as a body to limit the aerosolization of the virus. Singing will be done only from the stage and by soloists/vocal groups.
- We will have hand sanitizer stations available. We also encourage thorough hand-washing multiple times throughout the day.
- Goshen Health will provide a medical bus on Thursday and Friday during Annual Conference. They will provide PCR and rapid testing. If you take advantage of this, you will need to pay for the test, or if you have insurance, pay any required co-pay. Remember to have your insurance card. If you cannot afford to be tested, we will have a limited amount of free quick test kits available. You can inquire at the registration table. If during Annual Conference, you test positive, we ask that you notify your District Superintendent and return to your home.
- If you discover that you have been exposed to someone who is COVID positive immediately before or during Annual Conference, we ask that you follow the CDC guidelines listed here: Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines. Also, we ask that you notify your District Superintendent and return to your home.
- The following are the current CDC guidelines for the Pitt County Area:
- Wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status
- If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease
- Wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection
- Consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be exposed
- Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to take other precautions (e.g., testing)
- Have a plan for rapid testing if needed (e.g., having home tests or access to testing)
- Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, PrEP, and monoclonal antibodies
- If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for severe disease
- consider self-testing to detect infection before contact
- consider wearing a mask when indoors with them
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
- Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible
- Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19
The Greenville Convention Center has an HVAC system that provides excellent air filtration and exchange rates. We have considered this in all our Annual Conference planning. Our deep prayers are for a meaningful, spirit-filled, and safe Annual Conference. We ask for your help in making this a reality.
—
Rev. H. Gray Southern
Conference Secretary
Assistant to the Bishop