March 3, 2023

Dear HCC Family,

We have been meeting in-person for over a year at HCC. Our staff have diligently posted and informed everyone about COVID-19 status and protocol, relying on up-to-date information and guidelines from national and local healthcare authorities. From now on, we will no longer post/email about COVID-19 status. (You are encouraged to continue checking CDC guidelines and COVID-19 status on your own if you want.) Wearing a mask, social distancing, and isolation is up to your individual discretion. However, if you feel ill, please quarantine and isolate yourself from others. We appreciate your effort to keep our church healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

HCC Staff

February 24, 2023

Dear HCC English Congregation,

Praise the Lord! Per the CDC Community Levels update from last night, we are now in Green Zone (low risk). Masks are welcome (i.e. optional).

Some reminders:

• COVID-19 is still a danger, and many of our community members (young children, the elderly, or immunocompromised folks) are more vulnerable than the rest of us! If you are exposed to COVID-19 and think you might have it, or if you test positive for COVID-19, continue to follow CDC guidelines on when to self-isolate.
• Stay up to date on vaccines (for flu season & COVID) and boosters!
• Continue to get tested for COVID-19 as needed. We have some rapid antigen tests in the office for whoever needs them!

February 17, 2023

Dear HCC English Congregation,

Although we are no longer putting up signs in the building, please know that per the CDC Community Levels, we are now in Yellow Zone (medium risk). Masks are optional unless any of the following apply to you:

• You have been recently exposed to COVID-19
• You have symptoms of COVID-19
• You tested positive for COVID-19

If any of these cases apply to you, you should still wear a mask. If you test positive for COVID-19, please follow CDC guidelines for self-isolation. Continue to get tested if you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or if you have symptoms, and stay up to date with vaccines and boosters. For more clarifications, feel free to read the CDC guidelines for isolation and masking.

Parents, please observe the HCC Wellness Policy for Children: Any child who is sick or exhibits symptoms (including vomiting, fever with the last 24 hours, sore throat, colored runny nose, COVID-19, or other contagious disease) will not be admitted to the Nursery or HCC Kids programs. For a complete list of symptoms, contact Mr. Frank at frankt@hcchome.org

Please take caution to protect the most vulnerable around us (children, elderly, and immunocompromised) in our church family. 

February 10, 2023

Dear HCC English Congregation,

God is good! Per the CDC Community Levels, we are now back in the Green Zone (low risk). Masks are welcome (i.e. optional).

Some reminders:

• COVID-19 is still a danger, and many of our community members (young children, the elderly, or immunocompromised folks) are more vulnerable than the rest of us! If you are exposed to COVID-19 and think you might have it, or if you test positive for COVID-19, continue to follow CDC guidelines on when to self-isolate.
• As recommended by the CDC, we suggest staying up to date on vaccines (for flu season & COVID) and boosters!
• Continue to get tested for COVID-19 as needed. We have some rapid antigen tests in the office for whoever needs them!

2022 COVID-19 Updates

December 30, 2022

Dear HCC English Congregation,

Per the CDC Community Levels, we are now in Yellow Zone (medium risk). Masks are optional unless any of the following apply to you:

• You have been recently exposed to COVID-19
• You have symptoms of COVID-19
• You tested positive for COVID-19

If any of these cases apply to you, you should still wear a mask. If you test positive for COVID-19, please follow CDC guidelines for self-isolation. Continue to get tested if you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or if you have symptoms, and stay up to date with vaccines and boosters. For more clarifications, feel free to read the CDC guidelines for isolation and masking.

Parents, please observe the HCC Wellness Policy for Children: If you have a child who is sick or exhibits symptoms (including vomiting, fever with the last 24 hours, sore throat, colored runny nose, COVID-19, or other contagious disease), please do not bring them to church. They will not be admitted to the Nursery or HCC Kids programs. For a complete list of symptoms, contact Mr. Frank at frankt@hcchome.org

Please take caution to protect the most vulnerable around us (children, elderly, and immunocompromised) in our church family.

Thank you.

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September 23, 2022

Dear HCC English Congregation.

Praise the Lord! Per the CDC Community Levels, we are now in Green Zone (low risk). Masks are welcome (i.e. optional).

Some reminders:

• COVID-19 is still a danger, and many of our community members (young children, the elderly, or immunocompromised folks) are more vulnerable than the rest of us! If you are exposed to COVID-19 and think you might have it, or if you test positive for COVID-19, continue to follow CDC guidelines on when to self-isolate.
• Stay up to date on vaccines (for flu season & COVID) and boosters!
• Continue to get tested for COVID-19 as needed. We have some rapid antigen tests in the office for whoever needs them!

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August 19, 2022

Dear HCC English Congregation,

Per the CDC Community Levels, we are now in Yellow Zone (medium risk). Masks are optional unless any of the following apply to you:

• You have been recently exposed to COVID-19
• You have symptoms of COVID-19
• You tested positive for COVID-19

If any of these cases apply to you, you should still wear a mask. If you test positive for COVID-19, please follow CDC guidelines for self-isolation.

Continue to get tested if you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or if you have symptoms, and stay up to date with vaccines and boosters.

For more clarifications, feel free to read the CDC guidelines for isolation and masking. 

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June 17, 2022

Dear HCC English Congregation,

We are now in the Red Zone (high risk) per CDC Community Levels. Masks are now required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. Church lunch will continue for now, but masks are required when not eating/drinking.

What does this mean?

• Masks are required for everyone ages 2+
• If you are immunocompromised or high risk: Wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection
• Avoid non-essential indoor activities

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June 10, 2022

Dear HCC English Congregation,

Earlier this week we shared that HCC is now following the CDC community levels for risk assessment and masking recommendations (please see our COVID-19 Response page for more details). We are now in the Yellow Zone (medium risk). Please note that as part of our old de-escalation plan we had four zones (Green, Yellow, Orange, & Red), but the CDC guidelines we are now following have three levels (Green - Low Risk, Yellow - Medium Risk, and Red - High Risk).

What does this mean?

• Masks are optional UNLESS you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 OR have symptoms of COVID-19 OR you had a positive COVID-19 test, in which cases you should wear a mask
• If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease: Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask
• Get tested if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19
• Stay up to date with vaccines & boosters

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June 8, 2022

Our Facilities Reopening Committee (FRC) and Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) are recommending that HCC adopts the CDC guidelines for masking and risk assessment, which you can read more about here. The CDC Community Levels use different metrics for deciding zones— COVID-19 hospital admissions— rather than numbers of new cases, which is what we were using previously.

So what is our current COVID-19 policy?

• According to the CDC county check, we are in Green Zone (low risk)
• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
• Get tested if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19
• Masks are optional

 What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

• Self-isolate until you meet CDC guidelines for ending quarantine
• Notify people who you’ve been in close contact with recently who might have been exposed
• Fill out the HCC self-report form: hcc.lv/covidreport to help us with contact tracing

​

What do the different levels mean?

GREEN - LOW RISK (and all levels)

• 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 or have symptoms of COVID-19
• If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19 OR have symptoms of COVID-19 OR you had a positive COVID-19 test, you should wear a mask

YELLOW - MEDIUM RISK

• Masks are optional UNLESS you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 OR have symptoms of COVID-19 OR you had a positive COVID-19 test, in which case you should wear a mask
• If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease: Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions (e.g., testing)

RED - HIGH RISK

• Masks are required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status
• If you are immunocompromised/high risk: Wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection
• Avoid non-essential indoor activities

At all levels, people can choose to wear a mask, and you should consider your personal risk level. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

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June 3, 2022

We are now in the Orange Zone for HCC's COVID-19 status. However, the CDC risk assessment for Harris County is still low, so the MAC (Medical Advisory Committee) is recommending that masking remain optional for now. 

This means that masking is optional in the church building, and eating and drinking is still allowed. As always, be vigilant in case you have symptoms, and see the CDC guidelines for isolation if you test positive or are exposed to COVID-19. If you do test positive, please fill out our HCC self-report form so we can help with contact tracing: hcc.lv/covidreport

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February 28, 2022

As a response to the updated CDC guidelines, the MAC has updated our Yellow Zone policy: “Masking is optional in the yellow zone, but we recommend masking for immunocompromised and unvaccinated.”

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February 25, 2022

The Medical Advisory Committee has informed us that we are now in the Yellow Zone!

Changes

• Masks are now optional but recommended for vaccinated individuals, and masks are still required for unvaccinated individuals.

• The overflow room for English worship service will remain in the Youth Center for now

• Eating and drinking is allowed indoors. Do so at your own risk. Anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable eating/drinking indoors is welcome to take food to go or bring it outside to eat.

Lunch Service

Now that we are able to eat indoors, we will be resuming lunch service on March 6th, with food catered in from a restaurant.

• Prices for adult meals are $4.50 and kid’s meals are $2.50
• Meal tickets will be sold at the Welcome Desk in the lobby from 12-1pm (instead of in the Chapel, cash/check only for now)
• Lunch is served on a first come, first serve basis

You have to do both of these things to eat church lunch:

1. Fill out this survey each week by Wednesday: hcc.lv/lunch
2. Buy a meal ticket

Because food is catered from a restaurant, we ask that everyone who plans to buy lunch on Sunday does their best to fill out the survey each week; this will help us know how much to order for the first few weeks. The lunch survey will be open from Sunday afternoon until the following Wednesday. If you still have old meal tickets, you can trade them in for new tickets at their dollar value. Please subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates on COVID-19 protocols, changes to church lunch, and weekly announcements.

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February 18, 2022

The Medical Advisory Committee has informed us that we are now in the Orange Zone.

What’s new?

• Outdoor overflow room for English worship service will now be moved to the Youth Center
• Eating and drinking is now allowed indoors.
  • You may remove your mask temporarily to eat/drink, but do so at your own risk. Anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable eating/drinking indoors is welcome to take food to go or bring it outside to eat.
  • As of February 20th, we have not yet resumed lunch service.

Please note:

• Wearing masks is still required, so please practice safe social distancing and wear a mask covering your nose and mouth when not eating/drinking. This is per CDC guidelines.

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January 7, 2022

The following are guidelines from our Medical Advisory Committee on how to respond you have recently been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID or if you have yourself. If you have tested positive, please fill out this self-reporting form to help us conduct contact tracing at church.

After someone comes in contact with a positive case: 

Required (per CDC guidelines):

• Wear a mask in public for the next 10 days.
• If symptomatic at any point, get tested and stay at home until test is negative.
• If test is positive, follow positive test guidelines.

Recommended (not required):

• If contact is of the same household and it’s difficult to stay separated, stay at home for at least 5 days (from first day of symptoms of the positive contact) even if asymptomatic.
• Get tested 5 days after contact with positive case.

Guidelines if you test positive for COVID-19: 

Applicable to everyone, regardless of vaccination status

• Stay home and away from other people for 5 days.
• If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can go out in public
• Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
• If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

2021 COVID-19 Updates

Dec 24, 2021

Dear HCC Family,

Recommendation from MAC/FRC while the church is in the RED zone for Covid-19: Church members who have been fully vaccinated (2 vaccines), and have come into contact with someone tested positive, may attend church and Christmas Eve service if:

1. You have no symptoms at all (not feeling bad at all) and wear a mask properly at all public areas (social distancing is encouraged but not mandated) We encourage frequent hand-washing, covering the mouth during cough/sneeze, and staying home if sick.
2. If you come in contact with someone who is tested positive and are showing any fever or symptoms, please stay home. If test negative in 5-7 days after contact, may return to the public/church environment.
3. PCR test is the recommended method of testing.
4. While in the red zone, no indoor food/drink inside the church facilities. But people can take food to go or eat it outside.
5. Suggest a booster shot for everyone eligible.

Sincerely,

Facilities Reopening Committee (FRC) & Medical Advisory Committee (MAC)

---

Nov 19, 2021

Please view De-Escalation plan below for more details

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Nov 5, 2021

Dear HCC Family

As of Friday, Nov 5th eating and drinking will be permitted inside the church building when the city of Houston is in Yellow and Green Zone. This policy is subject to change, as we monitor the Covid-19 cases.

Sincerely,

Facilities Reopening Committee (FRC) & Medical Advisory Committee (MAC)

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August 1, 2021

Dear HCC Family,

Please see our most updated HCC COVID-19 De-Escalation Plan (Revised August 2021). We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate through all the changes.

Sincerely,

Facilities Reopening Committee (FRC) & Medical Advisory Committee (MAC)

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July 25, 2021

Dear HCC Family,

Given the increase in COVID cases and positivity rate in Houston, the change from yellow alert to orange alert level on our De-escalation Plan, and out of an abundance of caution and love for those who have not been vaccinated, we are making the following requirement: Everyone 2 years and older must wear masks indoors and social distance, regardless of vaccination status. Children who can't remove their masks on their own are exceptions. Thank you for your cooperation!

Sincerely,
The Facilities Reopen Committee

 

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July 1, 2021

Dear HCC Family,

As of July 1, HCC welcomes everyone to our indoor worship and activities, but requires anyone 2 years and above who is not vaccinated to wear a mask. 

 

Blessings,

MAC(Medical Advisory Committee), FRC (Facilities Reopening Committee) and HCC admins

 

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June 4, 2021

Dear HCC Family,

Based on the decreasing number of 7-day average of new COVID-19 cases in Houston/Harris County, as well as the availability of vaccines, the high vaccination rates of our adult congregation (95% of Chinese survey results 98 out of 103, 95% of English survey results 160 out of 169), and the loosening of restrictions in many different areas of life, the Facilities Reopen Committee (after gaining input from the Medical Advisory Committee and feedback from the Pastoral Staff) is making the following adjustment to our original reopening guideline:

1. Mask and social distancing will be optional for all individuals (12 years old and above) attending church starting June 20, 2021. However, unvaccinated children above 2 years old (under 12 years old) should continue masking and social distancing (3 feet). We will still social distance inside the sanctuary until June 20th. We will discuss other social distance options if the need arises.
2. Welcome unvaccinated individuals on July 4, 2021 if the Harris county pandemic situation does not deteriorate. UPDATE: We kindly ask for unvaccinated individuals to continue wearing a face mask while in the building until we reach the Green Zone in our De-Escalation Plan .
3. Food/drink and the passing of communion plates and offering bags can resume September 5th if the pandemic doesn't worsen.
4. Allow Pearland Campus to lift all face-covering and vaccination requirements for individuals 12 years old and older starting in June. Social distancing and face-covering should still be required for all children (2-12 years old).
5. We will continue to check the temperature and ask questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms/travel/exposure until the pandemic is truly under control (exact time TBD by MAC, probably around Green Zone on the De-escalation Plan).

In order to facilitate better understanding of what to expect when you return to the church building, See the instructional video below for details on procedures for reopening:

We hope to worship and fellowship with you all in person soon.

Blessings,

The FRC (Facilities Reopening Committee)

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May 6, 2021

This communication shall be published on the HCC website and communicated and emailed to all members through Community Group and congregational leaders.

When HCC reopens for corporate worship and fellowship, please follow these guidelines for EVERYONE's health safety:

• We welcome all fully vaccinated adults to join us for indoor worship and fellowship. You are considered fully vaccinated after two weeks following the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccination (e.g., Moderna or Pfizer) or the single dose of a one-dose COVID-19 vaccination (e.g., Johnson & Johnson).
• During the last 14 days, if you have been around anyone who has tested COVID-19 positive, traveled to a COVID-19 hotspot, or exhibited any COVID-19 symptoms (i.e., fever, shortness of breath, cough), please self-quarantine for 14 days, consult your primary care physician, and do not enter the church.
• If your temperature measured at the church entrance is above 100.4°F, do not enter the church.
• If you are 2-years-old or older, you must wear a mask or nose and mouth covering while on the church campus.
• Maintain at least a 6-foot space between you and others outside your family while you are on the church campus. Children/Youths should try to social distance up to 6 feet whenever possible but can remain only 3 ft apart given room constraints.

By entering this church campus, you agree to abide by these guidelines for all to worship together at your own risk.

Additional guidelines and information while on the HCC campus:

• Health Safety Admission Protocol: Enter the main building through the main double doors or the south side of the double doors on the east side (near the Youth Center. An attendant at each entrance will measure your temperature each time you enter and squirt sanitizer into your hands. While you are waiting to have your temperature checked, please maintain 6-feet of space between you and others.
• To be admitted to the building, you must be fully vaccinated (adults only), wear a mask over your nose and mouth (if you are 2-years-old or older), AND your temperature must measure at or below 100.4°F.  Those who are not admitted may attend meetings via live Zoom or recorded sessions when available.
• Anyone who exits the building must return to an appointed entrance and submit to the Health Safety Admission Protocol.
• While on the campus, attendees must wear their masks and maintain 6-feet of space from others, e.g., sitting in the sanctuary, chapel, or classroom for a meeting, waiting in an office for assistance, or standing in the hallway talking. Families must manage the proper wearing of masks and spacing of their children.
• Bathrooms will be labeled with a maximum occupancy (3).  Those who use the bathroom should wait outside if all available bathroom receptacles are in use.  (Bathroom receptacles and sinks that are not divided by a barrier will be taped off.)
• During heightened safety protocols, the playgrounds will be closed for use.  Additionally, no food or drink services will be provided during meetings or fellowship time.
• Anyone who repeatedly violates the established guidelines will be gently warned before being asked to leave or escorted out of the building.
• Social distance requirement of 6 feet could be amended to 3 feet when the MAC and FRC deem it safe and practical. Children and Youth Ministry should social distance up to 6 feet whenever possible, but can decrease to 3 feet if constrained by room capacity/space as specified in CDC's guideline.
• Any activity that requires the use of the church facility must submit a request to and receive approval from William Soo.

Facility Sanitization Plan:

• Deep clean entire facility - 2nd and 4th week
  1.  Machine clean all tile floors, including restrooms
  2.  Shampoo all carpeted floors, including sanctuary, classrooms, and trailers
  3.  Clean all tables and chairs
  4.  Spray disinfectants on all surfaces
  5. Wipe clean all doorknobs and door surfaces
• Two weeks before reopening, restart all regular weekly cleaning routines
  1. Clean all restrooms
  2. Machine clean all tire floors
• One week before reopening
  1. Use Micro Fogger to disinfect all restrooms, classrooms, sanctuary, and hallways (on a Sunday afternoon when the facility is empty, except children's rooms)
  2. Deep clean and sanitize children and youth areas- furniture, fixtures, equipment, and toy.
  3. Touch up clean the sanctuary
  4. Deep clean and sanitize kitchen
• Continued tasks
  1. Weekly clean (every Wednesday and Sunday)
  2.  Use Micro Fogger to disinfect sanctuary and restrooms every Monday
  3.  Keep the AC running on outside airflow for 2 hours before facility usage and 2 hours after usage
  4. Open windows before room usage, keep the room doors open, and turn fans on to increase ventilation during usage
  5. Setup tables/chairs in rooms before usage to encourage social distancing
  6. Provide sanitation wipes in all classrooms and outside the sanctuary

Facility Related Matters:

• Sanitations Supply Inventory
  1. All chemicals used are CDC-, FDA-, and EPA-approved
  2. Hand sanitizers: 10 stations throughout the main church building, plus 1 for each trailer (estimated 4-months supply)
  3. Disinfectant cleaners: wipes, spray, and others (estimated 3-months supply)
  4. Disposable gloves: 1000 large, 1000 medium
  5. Disposable masks: 1000/500 (Adults/Children)
  6. Hand soap: (estimated 3-months supply)
  7. Paper products: Plenty (toilet paper, paper towels, tissue)
• Miscellaneous
  1. Infra-red, no-touch thermometers for checking temperatures of staff, volunteers, and attendees: 8 for South Main and 2 for Pearland
     • At least two volunteers shall staff each entrance to measure temperatures for Health Safety Admission Protocol.
     • At least one volunteer shall staff each exit to prevent re-entry.
     • Have at least one elder or pastor be available to assist with communication
     • At least two security guards shall be available on-site as escort to control the situation.
  2. Monitor indoor activities: Teams to be scheduled to monitor activities.

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April 16, 2021 (1:00pm)

Dear HCC Family,

After taking into account the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and the increased availability to all adults, the Facilities Reopen Committee(FRC) consulted the Medical Advisory Committee(MAC) and the Pastoral Staff about adjusting our reopening plans. The Council has approved our recommendation for a conditional reopening starting on May 7th. The following is the reopening guideline:

1. We will reopen the Main Campus building for all fully vaccinated adults, as well as all youth and children, to resume non-Sunday Worship/Sunday School activities starting on the weekend of May 7-9th. This would include all Friday night ministry activities, Wednesday night prayer meetings, Saturday ministry activities, and on Sunday morning Children and Youth ministry activities. Based on the CDC guideline, adults are fully vaccinated when 2 weeks after the second dose of a 2-dose vaccine (e.g., Pfizer/Moderna) or after a dose of a 1-dose vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson). Those who would like to attend should wait until that time frame is complete.

2. All ministry activities can resume for fully vaccinated adults, all children, and youth for Pearland Campus starting in April.

3. Face-mask policy (all 2-year-old and older will need to wear a face-covering while on campus) adopted by the Council last year, will still be in effect for both Main and Pearland Campuses.

4. We recommend restarting in-door Sunday Worship no later than July 4th at the Main Campus, provided that the pandemic doesn't worsen, for all fully vaccinated adults. This could take place earlier in June if the FRC and MAC believe it is safe. 

5. No food or snacks should be served at either campus until the MAC and the FRC deem it is safe to do so. 

6. A new De-escalation Plan (that will account for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated people) will be drafted and submitted to the Council for approval. We will share it with you after its approval. 

7. Steps to sanitize and properly prepare the facilities are underway. More details to come.

8. Children and Youth ministries will determine the reopening schedule for each of their ministries, provided adequate preparation is complete and enough volunteers can be recruited. More details to come.

Please do not hesitate to share with us your concerns, questions, or suggestions. We welcome all feedback and will continue to clarify and communicate details regarding building reopening with all of you. You can email us at hccoffice@hcchome.org.

 

Sincerely,

The Facilities Reopening Committee

 

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March 5, 2021 (1:00pm)

Dear HCC Family,
As you are probably aware, Governor Abbott announced an end to state-mandated face-covering in public places and an end to limits on business capacity effective Wednesday, March 10th.

The Facilities Reopen Committee, in consultation with the Medical Advisory Committee, will not be adjusting the building reopening timetable at this time. The HCC COVID-19 De-Escalation Plan  is still the guide for our church and we will continue to monitor any new developments with regards to COVID-19 cases. We are also waiting for the CDC to release new guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals before determining if and how we should adjust. Starting two weeks ago, the ministry and office staff have been permitted to work from their church office while maintaining appropriate health and safety measures. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the building will be reopened in a safe and timely fashion. This will happen when the risk of COVID-19 has diminished to an acceptable level, as specified in our De-escalation Plan. Also, at this time the Medical Advisory Committee recommends: everyone 2 years and older is required to wear a mask during outdoor seating for Sunday worship services.

We long to see the day that our church family is able to worship indoors together. In the meantime, we encourage you to consider attending the outdoor worship services. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Blessings,

The Facilities Reopen Committee”

 

 

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Jan 22, 2021 (1:00pm CST)

Dear HCC Family,

This is an update from the Ministry Staff regarding guidelines for outdoor activities on the church campus. As we await a return to the church building according to our De-Escalation Plan  and we have begun to organize (and permit) outdoor activities on the church campus, particularly the parking lot. Since the start of these outdoor activities (which include the outdoor worship services), we realize we have yet to provide a consistent set of guidelines for how many people can participate outside of their vehicles. After consultation with the Medical Advisory Committee and the Elders-Pastors Committee, the Ministry Staff recommends the following guidelines for all outdoor activities on the church campus while in pandemic conditions.

While in the Red Zone (according to the GlobalEpidemics scale), we will limit the number of individuals outside of vehicles to thirty people (30). In our outdoor worship services, this number will include our ushers. When in the Orange Zone, we will increase the limit to sixty people (60), and when in the Yellow Zone, we will increase the limit further to one hundred people (100).

Summary: Limits for Persons Outside of Vehicles During Outdoor Activities 

Red Zone: 30 person limit

Orange Zone: 60 person limit

Yellow Zone: 100 person limit

 

If you have any questions or feedback, please email: ministerial.staff@hcchome.org

 

Blessings,

Ministry Staff

 

2020 COVID-19 Updates

Oct 22, 2020 (1:00pm CST)

Dear HCC Family,

The Medical Advisory Committee has been working closely with the HCC Staff and church leadership to come up with alternative, safer ways to gather as a church body while we await the conditions surrounding the current pandemic to improve. At this point, we still have not met the criteria necessary to move back into the building for church ministries and services (see our HCC COVID-19 De-Escalation Plan for more details).

In addition to continuing to produce Home Worship Guides, we believe that outdoor worship gatherings would be the best option for those who would like to meet in person. In order to provide guidance to both Houston Chinese Church (HCC) and Pearland Chinese Church (PCC), we have decided to utilize a county-by-county COVID-19 dashboard located here to assess how to move forward specifically for our outdoor services. It is based on a four-category scale: green, yellow, orange, and red (based on the 7-day average of daily new cases per 100k people).

Risk Level Categories

Red: 25+ cases per 100,000 people

Orange: 10-24 cases per 100,000 people

Yellow: 1-9 cases per 100,000 people

Green: <1 case per 100,000 people

Note: There has been a problem with backlogging for Harris County (causing there to be both recent cases and older cases to be calculated in the above website). Because of this, while backlogging remains an issue for Harris County, we will recalculate numbers using recent cases only directly from the Harris County Public Health COVID-19 dashboard. To ensure accuracy, we will be directly calculating the numbers from time to time using the case counts from each county's public health websites, using the estimated 2020 population statistics, and comparing them to the first dashboard mentioned above. If there is a discrepancy, we will base our decisions about outdoor services on the data from the county-specific public health websites.

When a county (Harris County for HCC and Brazoria County for PCC) is in either RED or ORANGE zones, we plan on utilizing drive-in services (where members and guests stay in their cars for the duration of the gathering).

When a county is in the YELLOW zone, we plan on utilizing hybrid outdoor services (where members and guests sit outdoors spaced out 6+ feet from each other wearing masks; those who are 65 years or older, have underlying medical conditions, are immunocompromised, or families with infants/toddlers can join in their cars).

For both types of gatherings, there will be a pre-registration process and form where you will find more detailed information.

Currently, both Harris and Brazoria Counties are in the YELLOW zone. We will be monitoring the conditions closely, so please keep in mind that the type of outdoor Sunday gatherings hosted will change as COVID-19 (or weather) conditions change.

Blessings,

Medical Advisory Committee

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September 18, 2020 (1:00pm CST)

Dear HCC Family,

 

The Facility Reopen Committee has prepared a guideline detailing how we will sanitize and maintain HCC facilities in preparation for eventual reopening. We want to share this guideline with you and welcome any questions, suggestions, or concerns you may have. You can contact us via hccoffice@hcchome.org.

 

HCC Facilities Reopening Usage Guideline

This communication shall be published on the HCC website and communicated and/or emailed to all members through Community Group and congregational leaders. When HCC re-opens for corporate worship and fellowship, please follow these guidelines for EVERYONE’s health safety:

• During the last 14 days, if you have been around anyone who has tested COVID-19 positive, traveled to a COVID-19 hotspot, or exhibited any COVID-19 symptoms (i.e. fever, shortness of breath, cough), please self-quarantine for 14 days, consult your primary care physician, and do not enter the church.

• If your temperature measured at the church entrance is above 100.4℉, do not enter the church.

•  If you are 5-years-old or older, you must wear a mask or nose and mouth covering while on the church campus.

• Maintain at least a 6-foot space between you and others outside your family while you are on the church campus. By entering this church campus, you agree to abide by these guidelines in order for all to worship together.

Additional guidelines and information while on the HCC campus:

• Health Safety Admission Protocol: Enter the main building through the main double-doors on the south side, the double-doors on the east side (near the Youth Center), or the door on the north side (outside the kitchen). An attendant stationed at each entrance will measure your temperature each time you enter. While you are waiting to have your temperature checked, please maintain 6-feet of space between you and others. In order to be admitted to the building, you must wear a mask over your nose and mouth (if you are 5-years-old or older) AND your temperature must measure at or below 100.4°F. Those who are not admitted may attend meetings via live Zoom or recorded meeting when available.

• Anyone who exits the building must return to an appointed entrance and submit to the Health Safety Admission Protocol.

•  While on the campus, attendees must wear their masks and maintain 6-feet space from others (e.g. sitting in the sanctuary, chapel, or classroom for a meeting, waiting in an office for assistance, or standing the hallway talking.) Families must manage the proper wearing of masks and spacing of their children.

• Bathrooms will be labeled with a maximum occupancy. Those who use the bathroom should wait outside if all available bathroom receptacles are in use. (Bathroom receptacles and sinks that are not divided by a barrier will be taped off.)

• Water fountains will NOT be available for use.

• During heightened safety protocols, the playgrounds will be closed for use. Additionally, no food or drink services will be provided during meetings or fellowship time.

• Anyone who repeatedly violates the established guidelines will be gently warned before being asked to leave or escorted out of the building.

• Any activity that requires the use of the church facility must submit a request to and receive approval from Roy Chen.

Facility Sanitization Plan:

• Deep clean entire facility - 2nd and 4th week

  • Machine clean all tile floors, including restrooms
  • Shampoo all carpeted floors, including sanctuary, classrooms, and trailers
  • Clean all tables and chairs
  • Spray disinfectants on all surfaces
  • Wipe clean all door knobs and door surfaces

• One week before Stage 3,

  • Restart all regular weekly cleaning routines
  • Clean all restrooms
  • Machine clean all tire floors

• One week before Stage 2

  • Use Micro Fogger to disinfect all restrooms, classrooms, sanctuary, and hallways. On a Sunday afternoon when facility is empty, except children's rooms
  • Deep clean and sanitize children and youth areas - furniture, fixtures, equipment, and toys

• One week before Stage 1

  • Touch up clean sanctuary
  • Deep clean and sanitize kitchen

• Continued tasks

  • Weekly Clean
  • Use Micro Fogger to disinfect sanctuary and restrooms every Monday

Facility Related Matters:

• • Sanitations Supply Inventory

    • All chemicals used are CDC-, FDA-,  and EPA-approved
    • 3 months supply of masks, gloves, cleaners, hand sanitizers, soaps, and paper products have been prepared.

  • Miscellaneous

    • Infra-red, no-touch thermometers for checking temperatures of staff, volunteers, and attendees: 8 for South Main and 2 for Pearland
    • Each entrance shall be staffed by at least 2 volunteers to measure temperatures for Health Safety Admission Protocol.
    • Each exit shall be staffed by at least 1 volunteer to prevent re-entry.
    • At least 2 security guards shall be available on site as escort to control situation.

  • Monitor indoor activities: Teams to be scheduled to monitor activities.

Blessings,

The Facilities Reopen Committee

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August 18, 2020 (1:00pm CST)

Dear HCC Family,

It's been a while since our last coronavirus-related update and we want to communicate with you our guidelines for facility usage when it is safe to reopen.

We are still at Stage 4 on our De-Escalation Plan and the Medical Advisory Committee is closely monitoring the pandemic. While facility reopening remains a distant possibility, we believe it is time to share with you our facility usage guidelines so that we can hear your feedback and respond to any questions.

In accordance with the CDC guidelines and the Governor's Office recommendations regarding best practices to reopen houses of worship, these guidelines will be utilized by Houston Chinese Church when we reopen our campus for worship.

When HCC re-opens for corporate worship and fellowship, please follow these guidelines for everyone’s health safety.

Facility Usage Guidelines

• In the last 14 days, if you have been around anyone who has tested COVID-19 positive, traveled to a COVID-19 hotspot, or exhibited any COVID-19 symptoms (ie fever, shortness of breath, cough), please self-quarantine for 14 days, consult your primary care physician, and do not enter the church.

• If your temperature measured at the church entrance is above 100.4, do not enter the church.

• (Except for children in Pre-K and under or under the age of 5), wear a mask or nose and mouth covering while you are on the church campus.

• Maintain at least a 6-foot space between you and others outside your family while you are on the church campus.

• By entering this church campus, you agree to abide by these guidelines in order for all to worship together.

Face Mask Requirement

• Anyone who refuses a temperature check or wearing a face mask will not be admitted into the building for any church activity (including Sunday worship, Sunday School, or general fellowship or mingling).

• Also, there is no provision for on-site quarantine or separate closed-circuit Sunday worship for anyone rejecting the established protocol (masks and temperature check).

• The Medical Advisory Committee is recommending that we keep our mask requirements in place as long as the pandemic is still ongoing. This means that even in Stage 0, we would like to have the masks in place. When pandemic resolves, we suggest looking for the following two conditions to be met before stopping the face mask requirement for HCC gatherings:

  • A vaccine is available and widely in use in the community.

  • Public officials confirm that social distancing measures and masks are no longer necessary.

We will publish and distribute a more detailed Facility Usage Guideline in the coming weeks. Your safety is our goal even as we strive to prepare the facility for reopening.  If you have any suggestions, questions, or concerns, please don't hesitate to communicate with us via hccoffice@hcchome.org.

Sincerely,

The Facility Reopen Committee 

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June 13, 2020 (4:00pm CST)

We have made some revisions to our De-Escalation Plan as we continue to monitor the situation surrounding the virus here in Houston. Please take a look especially at the new trigger points for each stage of de-escalation. We will be using this chart from the Texas Medical Center, in particular, to help guide whether or not we move down to each of the next stages. If you have any questions about whether or not you fall into the higher risk category of getting a severe illness from COVID-19, you can visit this website from the CDC.

 

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May 29, 2020 (1:00pm CST)

As the COVID-19 curve show signs of flattening, we are preparing for the church to resume some activities as we de-escalate from complete facility shutdown. No one could have imagined how long we have been forced to stay apart. The church has set up a Facilities Reopen Committee to set up guidelines and safety precautions when we gather in-person once again. We will update you on timelines and dates as to when different church activities can resume.

In the meantime, we would like to gauge your willingness and hear your thoughts regarding precautions and guidelines we are considering for in-person gatherings. While our decisions will not be made based on popular opinion, we do care about your concerns and expectations. Your feedback is very important to us in this reopening process.

If you are a member (or regularly attend one of our services or groups at the South Main campus), please take the survey that is being distributed. The survey form will close on June 8th. We really appreciate your feedback!

Sincerely,
The Facilities Reopen Committee

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May 14, 2020 (12:00pm CST)

Last Saturday, May 9th, 2020, the Church Council approved a revised version of the COVID-19 De-escalation Plan that has now been aligned with the methodology and language in the official guidance from the Governor's Office. We will be monitoring the number of cases in the Greater Houston area to ensure there is no significant rebound of COVID-19 cases following each of the three phases in the governor's reopening plan as we consider de-escalating according to the chart. 

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April 28, 2020 (10:00pm CST)

In light of the recent announcement from the Texas Governor's Office, the pastors and elders met on Tuesday, April 28th and clarified that HCC, according to our COVID-19 De-escalation Plan, will remain in Stage 4 until the end of May at the earliest.

Since one of our key triggers for Stage 4 is school closures (HISD will not open campuses for the remainder of the school year), we will remain in this critical stage until the end of the school year. So, until the end of May, our building remains closed and Sunday services canceled. By June, we will reassess what stage we are in and provide an update.

In the meanwhile, the Church Council will make appropriate edits to the De-escalation Plan to align it with the methodology and language in the official guidance from the Governor's Office. We will post the revised De-escalation Plan asap.

 

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April 15, 2020 (3:00pm CST)

The HCC Church Council has approved the following COVID-19 De-escalation Plan to be in place alongside the current Response Plan. As you can see, it's essentially the Response Plan, but inverted so that we can see the steps our church will take as the situation surrounding COVID-19 slowly improves. We added a Stage 0 just because we want to be extra cautious when it comes to those who are more vulnerable to the virus in our congregation. It won't be "normal" in the sense of going back to how things were pre-COVID-19. But it will be a new normal. Until the medical research community is able to develop a viable vaccine for COVID-19 that is widely disseminated, there may always be a chance for the virus to take root again in our community. So with both the Response Plan and the De-escalation Plan in place, we hope that as a church we will be able to navigate the fluid situations that may arise in the future.

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March 21, 2020 (8:30pm CST)

Home worship guides for this Sunday have been posted. We migrated them from Google Docs to our website. The YouTube videos for the Special Word and Sermon will be posted Sunday morning. Please review the guide tonight and prepare accordingly. You can also access an archive of guides from previous weeks. Visit: hcc.lv/homeworshipguide

 

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March 17, 2020

Home worship guides for this Sunday are still in process. They will be released by Saturday 7:00pm and will include a video-recorded sermon this time! In the meantime, you can access last Sunday's guide: 3.15.20 HCC Home Worship Guide [ENGLISH]

 

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March 14, 2020 (7:00pm CST)

Brothers and sisters, we are facing unprecedented times for our church and our city. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak among the general population, we have reached Stage 4 (CRITICAL) of our COVID-19 Response Plan. That means all Sunday worship services have been suspended until further notice. 

We should grieve the fact that we cannot gather together as a church family in the presence of God and fellow brothers and sisters to corporately worship on the Lord's Day. But duty to honor governing authorities and love of neighbor compel us to temporarily suspend our in-person gatherings. Through social distancing, we can help limit the spread of this virus, and Lord-willing, we will soon be able to gather again to worship as the church on the Lord's Day.

In the meantime, we have created a Guide to Home Worship that explains how families, couples, and singles can conduct home worship on the Lord's Day. Each week a new guide will be made available by Saturday evening. Home worship cannot replace the God-ordained purpose and power of corporate worship as the church, but during this time of crisis, we hope it will be used by God to encourage believers, strengthen faith, and equip husbands, fathers, and spiritual heads to lead their family in worship.

Please share this Guide to Home Worship with anyone who worships with HCC. Enjoy your time of home worship!

 

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March 12, 2020 (5:30pm CST)

Things are moving rapidly. At 1:30pm CST today, Harris County Public Health issued a public guidance effective until March 31 or until otherwise noted. They strongly urge the organizers of any events over 250 people to cancel or postpone such events.

According our HCC COVID-19 Response Plan, we have entered Stage 4 (CRITICAL). Effectively immediately, we will:

• Close church building and suspend Sunday services
• Offer members a weekly guide on how to conduct family worship and/or personal devotions (maintain current sermon series and include a pre-recorded new sermon from pastors)
• Move all in-person gatherings online (including groups that meet in homes)
• Require staff to work from home

Since all Sunday services will be suspended this weekend, we will be sending members a detailed guide for how to conduct family worship and/or personal devotions that incorporates a pre-recorded sermon from this Sunday's scheduled preachers (Mandarin, Cantonese, and English). This suspension will be in effect until the end of March and could be prolonged if deemed necessary. Please keep our church, city, and country in your prayers!

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March 12, 2020 (10:00am CST)

After extensive deliberation last night, the Elders and Pastors of HCC have determined the following HCC COVID-19 Response Plan.

We are currently in Stage 3 (ALERT). We will be recommending to the Council in our (online) meeting this Saturday to form a Rapid Response Team that will closely monitor the situation. The moment the Rapid Response Team determines that HCC is in Stage 4 (CRITICAL), then decisive action will be taken. Stay up to date by regularly checking this page or our Facebook page. We recommend checking this page before you head to bed on Saturday night.

SUMMARY: STAGE 3 (ALERT) means Friday night programming and meetings have been suspended until further notice. This includes any other usage of the church building other than Sunday morning worship.

All Sunday services (English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Pearland) are still scheduled as planned. Sunday programming for Children and Youth will still be available. But adult Sunday School classes will be suspended along with lunch and any post-lunch activities/meetings. We also recommend for older adults (>60), immunology-compromised adults and children, and anyone expressing flu-like symptoms to remain at home. We will be testing a live-stream feed of the Chinese worship services this weekend (log-in instructions in a subsequent post). Of course, things could change very quickly, so check for updates regularly.

 

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March 11, 2020 (5:00pm CST)

This afternoon the city of Houston and Harris county both issued emergency health declarations in light of the first non-travel related coronavirus case in the region. Large gatherings and community events like the Houston Rodeo have been canceled. We are closely monitoring the situation. The Elders and Pastors will be meeting tonight (online) and will provide an update tomorrow to all members on the status of meetings and worship services for this coming weekend. Please stay updated via our website, Facebook page, or email (to members).

 

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March 6, 2020

Dear HCC members,

HCC is aware of the presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Houston. The safety of our members are always the top priority and we will continue to monitor and take the guidance of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health officials.

If you have recently travelled out of USA, especially the following countries: China, South Korea, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong and Iran, we ask you to:

• Self-quarantine at home for 14 days.
• Inform the Houston Health Department of your recent travel for monitoring at (832)393-5080.
• Seek medical treatment as soon as possible if any symptoms develop.

Regardless of your recent travel, if you have a fever or any flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention as needed and please rest up and refrain from attending church or any other public events until you are well.

These are the actions that will be taken now- temporary measures that will be reversed once new cases of COVID-19 in the Greater Houston area are well past the peak and it is deemed wise and safe to return to our usual routines:

• We will encourage pastors not to shake hands at the end of services.
• We will no longer pass the bags for offertory during services. Please use the offering drop box or give online.
• We will provide hand sanitizer throughout the church for you and your family to readily use.
• We will adjust the way we conduct the Communion service so that the elements are not passed from person to person.
• Sunday lunch will be cancelled until further notice.

We follow the recommendations of local and federal health authorities in order to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the flu, as well as other upper respiratory viruses. Some of the recommendations include these prevention tips:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching the face including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then dispose of it.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Get plenty of rest.

Do not fear and continue gathering as you normally would if you are healthy. Let us not overreact. As children of God, we should exercise proper precautions but also walk in faith in God's protection. We live in the peace of God and we do not contribute to a spirit of panic.

Let us pray for God's mercy, protection, and peace during this time. Pray for Christ-believers' witness during this time.  Pray for wisdom as we monitor the situation and discern misinformation that spreads panic.

We will be sharing updated and important information through our website. Please keep our church, community, city, nation and world in your prayers during this time of uncertainty and concern.

In God's Grace,

Pastor Fred Tow
Executive Pastor