Out Of Covid-19 Lockdown

Dear  ,

 

 

Covid-19 has made for interesting times, but England is starting to win back some freedoms. The admonition to ‘Stay Home, Protect the National Health Service (NHS), Save Lives’ is being replaced with a more open approach.

 

 

It is important to consider how to best engage in missionary work in this less restricted situation. If we are not vigilant, coming out of lockdown may prove more difficult than lockdown itself.  Please consider this material, review the readings and work with your companion and mission leaders to make good decisions moving forward.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

 

It has been over a year since England Leeds missionaries began isolating and practicing social distancing. Our adherence to counsel and regulations has been a blessing. With few exceptions, we have been healthy and have been kept from spreading COVID-19 to others.  

 

 

The community is now seeing a dramatic decline in the number of cases and severity of the disease.  The government rationale for loosening restrictions provides guidance:

“The success of the vaccination programme is one factor [for reducing the restrictions] - so far over 17 [now nearly 30] million people have had their jabs [vaccinations]- but by no means the whole story. The public have also risen to the challenge of suppressing COVID-19: by obeying the law; staying at home; getting tested when needed; isolating when required, and following the ‘hands, face, space’ and ‘letting fresh air in’ guidance.

Taken together, this means that even though absolute case numbers remain relatively high, we will be able to begin relaxing the current strict lockdown. While we must all remain vigilant - in particular against the threat from new COVID-19 variants - and continue to protect the NHS, a safe exit from lockdown can begin. It will take place in four steps; and at each step, we plan to lift restrictions across the whole of England at the same time.”

 

 

The government has entitled the relaxing of rules as a “Roadmap to Lockdown”.  It is very helpful to read this and recognize that there are four specific dates (29 March, 12 April, 17 May, 21 June) The details can be found here:

 

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary

 

 

Understanding what is expected to be allowed on each date will help direct what we can and cannot due as things slowly open up. For example, 17 May is the time when social distancing rules will be reviewed. Therefore, all social distancing rules are in place at least until that date. 

 

 

Missionary Purpose

 

 

It is helpful to remember that our purpose is not altered by our situation. We continue to “invite others to come unto Christ”. As has been taught, ‘Circumstances do not dictate discipleship’. This is a good time to reinforce why we are here and what we should be doing. 

 

 

Our goal is not just to create activity, but to have accomplishment. The Purpose and Objectives remind us that we are to Find with Faith, Teach with Testimony and Invite with Inspiration.  Success as a companionship will generally be created by the thousands of tiny decisions made throughout the day (Alma 37:6). Please take time to review:

 

 

-Purpose & Objectives – England Leeds Mission (Attached)

-My Missionary Purpose – Preach My Gospel Chapter 1

-Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ (Handbook)

-Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ: Supplemental Information

-Safeguards for Using Technology

-Safety Videos

-God Will Do Something Unimaginable – Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
 

This may seem like a lot of material, but refreshing our minds with this inspired information will provide us resources for making good choices. Let us be careful and perhaps conservative in how we approach the changes.  As we consider how to proceed, keep this in mind:

 

-Our missionary purpose, including the admonition to baptize.

-The effectiveness of our work.

-The safety and health of ourselves and others.

-The government regulations.

-The good name of the church.
 

Government Regulation (condensed)
Changes on 29 March
 

Social contact
The evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors. And this is why from 29 March, when most schools start to break up for the Easter holidays, outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will also be allowed, making it easier for friends and families to meet outside.

 

Travel
The ‘stay at home’ rule will end on 29 March but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes.

 

Step 2 - not before 12 April

 

Business and activities
Step 2, which will be no earlier than 12 April, will see the opening of non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons; and public buildings, including libraries and community centres. Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also reopen (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups);
Hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors at Step 2 and there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although customers must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’). Wider social contact rules will apply in all these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households.

 

Events
While funerals can continue with up to 30 mourners, the number of people able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise to 15.

 
After discussing this with the mission leadership council, we ask that you observe the following:

 
Missionary Guidelines (29 March 2021)

 
SCHEDULE – Missionary schedules should adhere to the “handbook”. There is still an emphasis of being outside, but now it is focused on proselyting time out-of-doors.  All social distancing rules, including masks, must be observed.

 
PROSELYTING & MEMBER WORK – Our efforts should be a mix of online service and limited personal contact. You may meet outdoors with another household, or up to six people. Sharing a meal should NOT take place until 12 April when the next restrictions are lifted.  You may receive food deliveries from others.  

 
To keep exposure limited, it is suggested that no more than two such gatherings take place during a single day.  Remember the time limits suggested in the handbook.  Proselyting clothing and name tags should always be worn.  Social distancing rules must be obeyed.  Remember to observe all missionary standards when meeting with individuals of the opposite sex.

 
SERVICE – Look for local outdoor service opportunities that limit your exposure to others. No more than six people should be involved in a project; a single companionship is preferred.  Where possible, engage in “Just Serve”.   You can provide service for up to 10 hours a week.  Wear appropriate clothing for the work.

 
TRAVEL – The “stay at home” rule has been lifted; it has been replaced by a less defined term “stay local” (within your village or town). This is relatively easy for missionaries. We are to work within our area.  We want to be visible in our ward or branch. 

 
With approval (see handbook), missionaries can expand their travel within the district and sometimes the zone. Even if you cover multiple units, work close to your flat.  Travel exceptions should be cleared with your young mission leaders.  The use of public transportation should be limited and always with safety protocols.

 
EXCHANGES – Only limited outdoor missionary exchanges (one per transfer, approved in advance) may take place. They may only last for a few hours and can take place if travel can easily be accomplished, otherwise use technology for the exchange.  Missionaries should not enter the flats of other companionships except with permission from a member of the mission presidency.

 
COUNCILS – District council meeting will be moved to 10:00 AM on Wednesdays. If a district is within close proximity, and has six members, district council can be held outdoors in person.  Zone leaders should approve such meetings in advance. Situations which would leave one companionship of sisters and one companionship of elders together should NOT occur.

 
PREPARATION DAY – For the most part, preparation day activities should be limited to a companionship. Zone and most districts preparation day activities must be avoided.

COMMUNICATIONS – It has been noticed that communications outside of districts and zones has become a bit casual. As a rule, missionaries should not be contacting other missionaries without approval.

 
As always if you experience any of the following symptoms please isolate in your apartment and contact Sister Goit (07812 274004) immediately.

 

-a high temperature

-a new, continuous cough

-a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

 

As we seek to do the will of the Lord, we will find His blessings. Thank you for your diligence. We love you,

 
President and Sister Green