Dear Member: 

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. As a result, federal, state, and local governments and agencies recommend social distancing and have, in many locations, prohibited the congregation of groups of people. We are doing everything we can to be compliant with all regulations and ensure your safety. We have put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but we cannot guarantee that you or family members will not become infected with COVID-19 while using FPC facilities or attending an FPC event or services.

By participating in programs, services, and activities of The First Parish Church of Stow and Acton [FPC] or for other uses of the buildings or grounds, you agree to the following:

You will only use the facilities for the approved purpose, and will not bring any unauthorized users into the building. On behalf of yourself and your family, you hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless FPC, its employees, agents, and representatives, of and from all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating to your participation in our programs, services or activities. You understand and agree that this release includes any claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of this organization, its employees, agents, and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after participation in any such program, service or activity.

Additional Acknowledgements:

- Our building is not currently being cleaned regularly, and we cannot ensure that spaces are kept in a sanitary condition, including bathrooms.

- While our building is closed, multiple people know how to access the building and may be in and out without our knowledge or permission.  

- Your use of the building and grounds is at your own risk. You agree not to sue FPC in the case that you contract any illness while at FPC.  

- Do not work in the building for more than an hour, especially in the colder weather when the windows are closed. 

- Wear masks inside the buildings at all times, NO EXCEPTIONS.

- Stay socially distanced, a minimum of 6 feet. Please consider talking quietly as talking loudly, singing, sneezing, or blowing your nose carries the virus a lot further than just breathing.

- Everyone needs to sign one of the check-in lists (available on tables near the entrances to both the Vestry and Fellowship Hall) every time you are in the building. We need this for contact tracing.

- Read and follow the instructions on the signs when entering the building.

- Do not eat or drink inside the building. You may sit outside the Lower Fellowship Hall under the awning if it is raining or in your vehicle or elsewhere outside the building.

- The all-access bathroom at the entrance to Fellowship Hall is the only bathroom available for use. Use ONLY this bathroom, as staff have been allocated their own bathrooms in other areas of the church.

- Read and follow the instructions on the signs when inside the bathroom (3 signs). Please especially shut the toilet seat lid before flushing as human waste can contain viable coronavirus molecules that get sprayed into the air during flushing.

- Keep the bathroom door propped open with the rubber door stop when you are finished. This will allow the air to circulate and any coronavirus molecules to dissipate.

- The LAST thing you should do after leaving the bathroom door open and shutting the light is to sanitize your hands. The sanitizer, located just outside the bathroom door is touchless, DO NOT touch the dispenser.

- You are responsible for cleaning/sanitizing spaces you use before and after use.  

- As we have no sexton and we have temporarily discontinued trash service, you must take out any trash and recycling you generate - especially food trash - so it is recommended that you bring trash bags just in case.