Health Resources
With the outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wisconsin, across the country, and around the world, congregations need to be well-informed and well-prepared. The following information offers guidance as we minister to and engage with each other, and within our communities, as the body of Christ. This page will be continually updated as often as possible as more information is shared from the ELCA and the synod.
#ELCAChurchTogether
New resources are continually added to the ELCA Public Health website including information on the Federal Government’s response, small business loans, the CARES Act, the Families First Act and more.
ELCA Vaccine Confidence Guide
Vaccination hopes, fears and falsehoods are around us in this time of heightened anxiety. ELCA Advocacy has provided this comprehensive guide to the vaccines and the vaccination process to help ELCA pastors, deacons, lay leaders, and members learn more and be advocates for the COVID-19 vaccines.
Wisconsin COVID-19 DHS Dashboard
Comprehensive information regarding the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of Wisconsin including specific data broken down by state, county, locality, and zip code along with resources for staying healthy and safe in order to stop the spread.
Current Health Information & Resources
June 18, 2021: Recognizing that the pandemic, and our response, has continually changed very rapidly we have removed what were deemed to be “outdated” resources and communications in order to ensure only the most timely and germane information is presented – this includes any governmental resources/orders that are outdated, have been rescinded, or expired.
Following the May 13, 2021 CDC guidance that vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks in most indoor public spaces many local and county health departments are currently evaluating their existing public health orders.
If you are needing any earlier communications from our current Bishop Mortensen-Wiebe, Interim Bishop Rogness, or the synod please contact the synod office. For all ELCA communications and resources visit the ELCA Public Health website.
Note: The information & resources provided below are listed in the order in which they were issued with state mandates appearing first and then county.
- Care-filled Worship & Sacramental Life in Lingering Pandemic
Released June 8, 2021; a comprehensive update from the Ecumenical Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacramental Practices consultation. Incorporating the latest CDC guidance, this update informs decision making and basic practices of Christian worship and congregational life at this stage in the pandemic. The ELCA has been an ongoing partner in this consultation. - A webinar was held on June 16, 2021 with a roundtable discussion with public health experts and pastors in a time of progress and uncertainty concerning the Covid-19 pandemic. You can view the video recording of the webinar here:
- Wisconsin DHS Statement Supporting New CDC Mask Guidance
On May 14, 2021 the Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued a statement supporting the May 13, 2021 guidance from the CDC that fully vaccinated people can resume activities without masks.
- Wisconsin DHS COVID-19 Website
Website with Information & Resources from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. There are currently no statewide orders or mandates relating to COVID-19 in place following the expiration of Executive Order #105 on April 4, 2021.
- Dane County/Madison Orders Expired June 2, 2021
Emergency Order #16, issued on April 29, 2021 and effective on May 5, 2021 has been allowed to expire as of June 2, 2021. There are currently no orders or mandates in effect in Dane County and the City of Madison.
- Rock County “Rebound” Reopening Plan
Rock County has moved to a revised “Phase 2” of this plan as of April 29, 2021. This guidance was updated on May 14, 2021 to reflect the support of new mask guidance for fully vaccinated people and immediately rescinding the mask mandate that was in effect. As of June 8, 2021 Rock County will discontinue this reopening plan allowing all entities to return to full capacity and all orders and mandates will expire. Read more HERE.
- Links to SCSW County Health Departments
We are not aware of any counties in the synod territory, other that Dane & Rock, that have any public health policies in place relating to COVID-19. This document provides link to all county health departments. Please continued to check with your local authorities for local resources and recommendations as necessary.
- Wisconsin Council of Churches “Love Builds Up” Supplement to Returning to Church Responding to New CDC Mask Guidance
May 13, 2021: In light of guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control advising that vaccinated Americans can go without masks or social distancing in most public settings, the Wisconsin Council of Churches recommends that congregations continue to exercise appropriate caution and provide thoughtful leadership in how they gather. - Wisconsin Council of Churches “Bearing with One Another in Love” Supplement to Returning to Church 2.0 Recommendations
April 16, 2021: Updated guidance under the understanding that we are at a point in the pandemic where we must consider how to live with COVID19 in our communities. At the same time, that does not mean we abandon safe practices or return to the status quo pre-pandemic. - Wisconsin Council of Churches Returning to Church 2.0 Recommendations
January 14, 2021 Update: “Holding Our Plans Loosely” - Wisconsin Council of Churches “Holding Our Plans Loosely” Webinar Recording
Recording from Webinar Held on January 14, 2021 - Wisconsin Council of Churches Webinar PowerPoint Slides
Corresponding Presentation from “Holding Our Plans Loosely” Webinar
*Note that links to resources above do not necessarily represent endorsement by the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin-ELCA; they are simply provided as a public service. Be sure to carefully vet any information, offer or service.