Health Resources

Synod COVID-19 (Coronavirus) 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.

For COVID-19 virus information visit the CDC and World Health Organization websites.

Information and communications are located just below; pandemic resources specific congregational resources follow. Resources geared toward connecting in this time of physical distancing (including digital worship resources) are located on our Connected Community page.

#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.

Current Health Information & Resources

July 1, 2020: 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that the pandemic, and our response, has continually changed very rapidly we have removed what were deemed to be “outdated” resources and communications in order to ensure only the most timely and germaine information is presented. If you are needing any earlier communications from Bishop Rogness or the synod please contact the synod office. For earlier ELCA communications visit the ELCA Public Health website.

• State of Wisconsin Emergency Order #1 – “Mask Mandate”
  This Order covers the entire state and is in effect beginning at 12:01 am on Saturday, August 1, 2020 until September 28, 2020.

• New WCC Returning to Church Recommendations (July, 2020)
  The Wisconsin Council of Churches is a reliable source for information on how to be church in this era of Covid-19.  Visit their site and visit it often as they offer regulatory updates and best practice information across denominations. 

• Dane County Modified “Phase 2” Order II & Emergency Order #8 (Mask Mandate)
  In effect until further notice (Phase 2 order as of 8:00 a.m., July 2; Order #8 as of 8:00 a.m., July 13)

• Dane County “Forward Dane” Reopening Plan
  Note that Dane County is currently in a now modified (as of July 2, 2020) version of “Phase 2” of this plan as of Monday, June 15, 2020.

• Rock County “Rebound” Reopening Plan
  Note that Rock County is currently in “Phase 2” of this plan as of Friday, June 12, 2020 (Update on July 2, 2020 that county will remain in “Phase 2”).

• Wisconsin DHS Website
  Website with Information & Resources from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services

• Links to SCSW County Health Departments
  Note that other that Dane & Rock counties, most others do not have a current emergency order or restrictions in place. Please check with your local authorities for local resources and recommendations.

• May 29, 2020 ELCA Presiding Bishop Calls on Church to Observe National Day of Mourning
  Bishop Eaton called on the church to join with faith communities across the United States in lament and remembrance, and on our elected leaders to observe Monday, June 1, as a day of mourning to honor the more than 100,000 people who have died from COVID-19.

• May 14, 2020 Joint Pastoral Letter from Wisconsin ELCA Synod Bishops (PDF)
  Regarding the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling on safer-at-home order extension.

• May 12, 2020 New ELCA Considerations for Returning to In-person Worship Resource
  As ELCA congregations face difficult decisions regarding when and how they will be able to gather again for worship, this resource offers general guidance in consultation with experts and ELCA Churchwide resources.

• May 12, 2020 “Re-opening In-Person Worship” Video Resource
  Shared from the Minneapolis Area Synod is this video conversation with Dr. Michael Osterholm, Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.

• April 20, 2020 Wisconsin “Badger Bounce Back Plan”
  Plan announced by Gov. Evers regarding next steps once certain criteria are met; includes guidance for large gatherings including religious services. *Note that this plan is no longer in place state-wide but many local counties and communities are using this as a resource for guiding local decisions.

Coronavirus Response Resources

The resources below aim to help us respond to the health crisis. For resources on staying connected and in community (including worship) please also visit our Connected Community page.

*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.