COVID-19 Protocols For Visiting The Church
Nineteenth Street Baptist Church follows a mask-optional policy. Masks are not required anywhere in the church building, but anyone who prefers to wear a mask should feel comfortable continuing to do so.
Our decision to move to a mask-optional policy on May 1, 2023 was based on reports of continuously low levels of COVID-19 in the District of Columbia and surrounding area, as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
We offer virtual opportunities for most worship, study, prayer, and ministry for those who are unable to attend services and activities in person, or are uncomfortable doing so.
What You Need to Know
- COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended and encouraged but are no longer required to attend our in-person church services or activities.
- The CDC still recommends that higher-risk individuals wear masks in large groups. Higher-risk individuals include older adults, people who are immunocompromised, people with certain disabilities (due to underlying medical conditions, congregate living settings, or systemic health and social inequities), and people with serious underlying chronic medical conditions.
- We will continue to monitor local levels of COVID-19 and modify our protocols when needed.
What to Expect When Worshiping with Us
- We are a hybrid church.
- Join our morning worship service in person or online via our YouTube livestream or conference call number 605-472-5349 Access Code 348952#
- Join our Youth Church services in person or online via Zoom. Click for details.
- Join our Church School classes in person or online via Zoom. Click for details.
- We’ve modified some elements of worship.
- Communion: For Communion Sunday, those worshiping virtually are welcome to call and stop by the church office to pick up Communion kits during the week before first Sunday.
- Giving: Tithes and offerings can be given online, by mail, or by placing them in the offering basket.
- Prayer: Worshipers do not gather at the altar but will remain at their seats.
- Shared items: Bibles and hymnals have been returned to the pews.
- We follow recommended cleaning, disinfecting, and ventilation procedures.
- Hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the church.
- The sanctuary is cleaned and disinfected after each use. High-touch areas throughout the church are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
- The ventilation system has been maximized to increase the amount of outdoor air circulated throughout the building, and air filters have been upgraded.
- We request that you notify us of positive tests.
- If you test positive for COVID-19 shortly after being on church premises, please notify the church office at 202-829-2773 as soon as possible so that we can take appropriate actions.
- We ask that you not attend in person if you are not feeling well.
- If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please refer to the CDC links below and join us virtually when appropriate.
If you have questions, please contact the church office at office@19thstreetbc.org or 202-829-2773. Thank you for your efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy.
For more information, click the following links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: