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.

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

February 8, 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that the pandemic, and our response, has continually changed very rapidly we have removed what were deemed to be “outdated” resources and communications in order to ensure only the most timely and germane information is presented – this includes any governmental resources/orders that are outdated or that have expired.

If you are needing any earlier communications from Bishop Mortensen-Wiebe, Bishop Emeritus Rogness, or the synod please contact the synod office. For all ELCA communications 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.

• State of Wisconsin Executive Order #105 – “Declaration of State of Emergency”
  This new order, issued February 4, 2021 declares a new state of emergency and a public health emergency for the entire state following the overturning of Executive Order #104 by the state legislature. Subsequently, this order was followed by a new Emergency Order #1:
• State of Wisconsin Emergency Order #1 – “Statewide Face Coverings Mandate”
  This new order is effective immediately (February 4, 2021) and until March 20, 2021 and requires face coverings be worn at all times when indoors and supersedes any local orders that are less restrictive.

• Dane County/Madison Emergency Order #13 – Updated Indoor Gathering Capacities & Mask Mandate
  This new order, issued February 8, 2021 and effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. on February 10, 2021 replaces Emergency Order #12 and provides for updated capacity guidelines for indoor gatherings and reinforces the mask mandate issued previously. The Indoor gatherings capacity limit applies to all religious gatherings with the exception of worship services. This order is in effect until March 10, 2021.

• Rock County February 4, 2021 Face Covering Requirement Order
  This order. issued on February 4, 2021, requires face coverings to be worn at all times while indoors in Rock County. This order mirrors the state order and is in place until May 5, 2021 and is enforceable in Rock County should the state order not be in place anytime up until that date.

• Read the November 17, 2020 Pastoral Letter from Bishop Mortensen-Wiebe in response to Dane County Emergency Order #10 issued at that time and thoughts on continued in-person worship gatherings.

• Rock County “Rebound” Reopening Plan
  Rock County has returned to “Phase 1” of this plan as of Monday, November 16, 2020. This plan does mandate a 25% capacity limit on all religious gatherings.

• 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 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.

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.