This year we expanded our online potential with Zoom Room in service and coming back together again on Page Street. As we all know, this journey certainly has had its ups and downs, and those continue. We are committed to transparency, and so I must inform you that yesterday one of our band members let me know they had tested positive for COVID-19.
They are fully vaccinated and believe they were exposed at a music gig at a nightclub. They experienced mild symptoms on Tuesday, which have since dissipated. They will be in quarantine for 14 days, and because they are fully vaccinated, they seem not to have transmitted the virus, as their children and spouse have tested negative. Everyone on staff has been contacted, and are taking all necessary precautions.
The staff of Unity San Francisco is required to be vaccinated to work on site. Since April, we have held this policy to ensure the health of the entire community, including our children who are not yet eligible for vaccination. In the coming days, we will all be tested again to keep up our commitment to your well-being.
This Sunday, we will not have a live band but rather piano tracks for our singers, and I will keep you informed about the testing status of our staff members while respecting each individual’s privacy. Given the rising caseload in the Bay Area, we also are asking that we wear masks in the sanctuary.
Finally, I feel it is time to make a request of you; If you are vaccinated, I welcome you to join us in person for services and classes. In fact, I encourage you to join us and celebrate with us safely. However, if you are not yet vaccinated I request that you attend services online for the time being. While I would prefer to not have to establish this policy, the need to protect the vulnerable members of our community makes it necessary.