Both flu season and the continuing spread of coronavirus are causes for concern.  We want to help all of us stay safe, healthy and on mission for Jesus.  The health and well being of our church family and of our community are central to our mission as a church. Your church leadership is actively monitoring the situation, including updates from the CDC and Utah Public Health and we will adjust our plan as the situation evolves.  This is the CDC’s current risk assessment:

• The immediate risk of being exposed to this virus is still low for most Americans, but as the outbreak expands, that risk will increase. Cases of COVID-19 and instances of community spread are being reported in a growing number of states.
• People in places where ongoing community spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 has been reported are at elevated risk of exposure, with the level of risk dependent on the location.
• Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
• Close contacts of persons with COVID-19 also are at elevated risk of exposure.
• Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring also are at elevated risk of exposure, with level of risk dependent on where they traveled.

We are in this together. Here are some ways you can help:

Right now love and social justice looks like staying home and doing our part to limit the spread of coronavirus and to “flatten the curve” as much as possible to help keep health care resources available for people as and if they get sick.  

So here are some suggestions. For more information, visit the CDC website.  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

 

·          Stay at home as much as possible and seek to stay 6 feet away from people you don’t live with. 

·          If you are feeling ill, stay home and try to stay away from even those you live with.  Feeling ill can include: runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, or a general feeling of being unwell.

·          Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.  That  is how long it takes to pray the Lord’s Prayer! 

·          Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

·          Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

·          Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·          Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

·          Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

·          Keep at least a 6 ft distance from individuals who are ill with a cough or sneezing and avoid touching surfaces contacted by ill persons.

 

Here is the CDC’s advice on good hygiene practices.

“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalms 112:5-7 NIV