Policy for returning to church:

4 conditions must be met if you have tested positive for COVID:
1. 10 days since symptoms started (or 10 days after test if Asymptomatic)
2. 24 hours without a fever
3. Symptoms have to have improved
4. Negative swab or antigen test. Rapid tests: test positive for both antibodies - Swab: negative for Covid

If you have continual exposure (ie someone you live with tests positive) but you have NOT tested positive yourself:
1. Wait 14 days after the one who is with you that has been exposed has met those first 3 things above.
2. A negative test is not enough: Accuracy of test as well as the ability to catch it after the test was taken continue to be a factor.

If you test positive with the antibodies:
1. Pass a negative swab/antigen test before returning OR rapid tests: test positive for both antibodies (IGG and IGM)

If you think you have been exposed in a high risk way (close and personal):
1. Self-quarantine for 14 days since last day of exposure

If you think you have been exposed in a low risk way (social distance/mask):
**Low risk exposure (What we have on Sunday if everyone wears masks when moving around and seating done separated) doesn’t require self-isolation**
1. Self monitor for symptoms that are unusual for you for 14 days. In the event you develop symptoms get tested.

Hello Group Leaders!

We wanted to update you on our best practices concerning the coronavirus and your group meeting. We believe this is a time for the Church to shine. We believe with all our heart that community and connection is the key to riding out the uncomfortable changes that we are all personally making at this time. Life is always better together. Not even the coronavirus can change that! We also want to stay connected in a responsible manner. Guidelines are always shifting so here the latest best practices for safe community recommended by our government, the CDC, and our Oasis leadership.

1.) We want to limit the group size to 10 or less. It’s the express line rule for small groups! If your group is larger you can divide up and meet at different locations or some people could FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom meeting in to keep the numbers down. Your group could also meet exclusively through any of these digital means as well. (how cool!) Staying connected is so important and we’re encouraging that you find the best and safest way for you to keep being the Church together.

2.) If you feel sick or if your kids feel sick please stay home. You’ve heard that only you can prevent forrest fires. Well, only you can prevent the coronavirus! Use the above ways to connect digitally to your group.

3.) If you are an older person or have an underlying health condition that puts you at higher risk please stay home. We want you to be safe! Connect digitally to your group as well.

4.) Avoid food sharing food at your gathering. This virus is most quickly shared through contact and the delicious qualities of sharing food make that a point of easy transmission.  

5.) If your group meets on campus we will provide cleaning supplies for you to wipe down the table afterward. Clean for the win!!! Can you take out your own trash as well? It will not only keep the room clean and disinfected but we are reducing the amount of custodial work being done at the church to reflect the decrease in usage during this time.

If we follow these best practices we’ll be conducting community in the safest way while still being the Church together.

God bless you all!

Ways we are helping our community during this unprecedented time.

As a church we are currently looking into options on how to utilize our facility. We have been in communication with the Public Health Department as well as the Manatee County School Board offering assistance in various ways. We know we are called to be a LIGHT and HOPE to our community during this time and we are honored to do so.

We will do more than "survive" this season. We believe that when we look back on this season, we will proudly say, God used us to do incredible things.

We have found many people are asking how can they help. There are also people who feel like they are drowning and don't know where to turn. We want to be a bridge that connects needs to resources within our community.

It was announced yesterday that our schools here in Florida will be closed until April 15. Many daycares are also closed as well. While many are able to work from home, which can be extremely difficult while now homeschooling. There are many people (especially single parents) that do not have an option for childcare during this season.

There are a few ways you can help with these needs:
1. Parent Swap - we can pair you with another working parent and you can work shifts.
2. Babysit - offer to watch kids as you are available during the week.
3. Tutoring - using zoom, tutor students online as they work through their assignments for the day

Right now we are trying to assess the needs and resources. If you are able to help or need help, please take a moment to complete this form. While we can not guarantee we can meet every need, we will do our absolute best to help!

COVID-19 RESOURCE FORM

I leave you with a quote from a Christ-follower in Wuhan from a post on Facebook after 48 days of quarantine:
"Coronavirus wants you to isolate and stock up and take care of your own first. Instead, look to him [God] first while you take care of others. In community, we can do so much more than we can do on our own. God is caring for us so richly and showering us with SO MUCH GOOD each and every moment."

[Read the rest of the post here]

COVID-19 RESPONSE
March 14, 2020

Oasis Church leadership is prayerfully aware of the evolving status concerning coronavirus (COVID-19). As information has changed over the last 24 hours we are aligning with the requests of the CDC* as well as Governor DeSantis, so starting this weekend Oasis Church is moving our services to a LIVE ONLINE experience.

First we want to make it clear, we are not canceling church. We will worship, pray and experience God together although we are unable to be in the same physical location. This a great opportunity to experience church as they did in the book of Acts - in homes within the community. We encourage you to invite neighbors and friends to encourage draw close to God during this time.

Secondly, you may be asked - “Why would the church respond to a health crisis by closing its doors?” Here is our response:

Our physical doors may be closed, we the church are not! Not only can you find our services online (online.myoasis.ag) but we will also be in our community meeting needs and pointing people to Jesus.

We are loving our neighbors by protecting our neighbors.

We are not being fearful. We are being responsible.

This is what love requires of us in this season.

Remember the promise from Psalm 91:5-7:
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you. Most of all, keep showing love in practical ways to those who need it most!