As an addendum to the general Code of Conduct for volunteers at The Basilica, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic invites volunteers engaging in in-person non-virtual ministry to adhere to additional standards and protocols for the common good. These actions are at the very heart of our mission to seek the well-being of our city and community.
Assess Suitability for In-Person Volunteer Ministry
To protect the safety and health of others, including employees, volunteers, and visitors to The Basilica, volunteers with any of the following circumstances must not volunteer in-person:
If You Test Positive for COVID-19 (Isolate)
- Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, stay home for 5 days.
- If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can return to in-person ministry, with these parameters:
- Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
- If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.
If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)
If you have been boosted, OR completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months, OR completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months:
- Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
- Test on day 5, if possible
- If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home
If you completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted, OR completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted, OR are unvaccinated:
- Refrain from on-site ministry at The Basilica for 5 days.
- Test on day 5, if possible
- After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
- If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home
Expectations for In-Person Volunteer Ministry
Any volunteer serving The Basilica through in-person non-virtual ministry agrees to the following:
Standards for all personal interactions
- Volunteers will wash their hands/use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after touching their face, coughing/sneezing, etc.
- Volunteers will exhibit respiratory hygiene, including coughing and sneezing into elbow or handkerchief.
- Volunteers understand that each person has different parameters and standards for personal safety, and will respect the wishes of others for distance, caution, and mask wearing.
- Volunteers will articulate their concerns directly and compassionately, should another party infringe upon their personal comfort zone. Clear but caring communication is appreciated. (i.e. "I would appreciate if you would step back.")
- Volunteers will accept redirection and concerns about personal safety with compassion and respect.
- Volunteers will adhere to any additional ministry-specific COVID-19 requirements. Basilica staff coordinators will clearly state any ministry-specific requirements, ideally in writing.
- Volunteers working in-person but off-site from The Basilica (i.e. shelter meals) will adhere to all safety standards of their volunteer site.
If you have concerns
- Please share with your volunteer supervisor, any Basilica staff person, or the receptionist on duty if you have concerns.
- Staff will do their best to rectify the situation as quickly as possible.
Any Changes in Expectations for In-Person Volunteer Ministry
The Basilica of Saint Mary reserves the right to change these expectations, especially related to face masks, social distancing, and in-person ministry.
Any changes in volunteer expectations will be communicated in writing. Our staff leadership team will use data from the COVID-19 Community Levels to determine if changes should be made, especially if risk levels in Hennepin County or the City of Minneapolis are publicly communicated as high/red (vs low/green or medium/yellow). Data used by the CDC and outside parties to calculate Community Levels include:
- Hospital beds being used and hospital admissions
- Total number of new COVID-19 cases
- Wastewater testing
Last Updated: August 16, 2022
Acknowledgement and Consent
I am a volunteer serving The Basilica of Saint Mary and have read this COVID-19 Code of Conduct for Volunteers. I agree to abide by it. I understand that I may face consequences of discipline, up to and including removal from service and/or termination of my volunteer role, for violations of this Code.
Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk
Although The Basilica is taking precautions to minimize the spread of Coronavirus, I understand that it cannot eliminate all risk associated with the pandemic and spread of COVID-19. I have reviewed the COVID-19 Code of Conduct for Volunteers and understand my role in maintaining health and safety of myself and others. Notwithstanding my efforts and the efforts of The Basilica, I understand that I may nonetheless contract COVID-19 and that it may lead to illness, serious harm, and/or death. I voluntarily assume responsibility for these risks and release The Basilica, its officers, trustees, employees, agents, and volunteers from all liability, claims, damages, and loss arising from any exposure to COVID-19 during my volunteer service, including any liability arising from negligence by any party. This release and waiver is made on my behalf and any other person who has claims by or through me.
I have read the above Volunteer Code of Conduct, have had the opportunity
to consider their terms, and understand them. I execute this document voluntarily and with knowledge of its significance.
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