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

November 20, 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that the pandemic, and our response, has continually changed very rapidly we have removed what were deemed to be “outdated” resources and communications in order to ensure only the most timely and germane information is presented – this includes any governmental resources/orders that are outdated or expired.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.

• State of Wisconsin Executive Order #95 – “Declaration of State of Emergency”
  This new order, issued November 20, 2020 declares a new state of emergency and a public health emergency for the entire state of Wisconsin. Subsequently, this order was followed by Emergency Order #1:
• State of Wisconsin Emergency Order #1 – “Statewide Face Coverings Mandate”
  This order is effective immediately and until January 19, 2021 and requires face coverings be worn at all times when indoors.

• Dane County/Madison Emergency Order #10 – Ban on Indoor Gatherings & Mask Mandate
  This new order, issued November 17, 2020 and effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. on November 18, 2020, provides for additional bans on indoor gatherings and continues the mask mandate issued previously. Indoor gatherings ban applies to all religious gatherings with the exception of worship services. This order is in effect until at least December 16, 2020.

• Read the November 17, 2020 Pastoral Letter from Bishop Mortensen-Wiebe in response to Emergency Order #10 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.

• State of Wisconsin Executive Order #94 – “COVID Recommendations”
  This new order, issued November 9, 2020, provides recommendations for staying home and personal and public safety as the pandemic continues to worsen in Wisconsin.

• State of Wisconsin Emergency Order #3 – “Limiting Public Gatherings”
  This Order covered the entire state and was in effect beginning at 8:00 am on Thursday, October 8, 2020 originally until November 6, 2020, however, the order was rescinded by the courts in late-October. It is provided here as a resource, additionally more information can be found in this FAQ document HERE.

• 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. 

• 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.