(click for more)
In response to growing concern regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), we would like to update you on planning and precautionary health and safety measures in place at Faith Church.
The primary keys are washing hands and preventing unnecessary exposure. We are making the following elevated sanitation efforts:
- Dependent on product availability, we will have hand sanitizer at various places throughout the church including check-in areas, restrooms, etc.
- We will wipe down doorknobs, trash cans, countertops, and non-porous surfaces frequently with CDC-approved cleaning products.
- We will leave doors open throughout the facility to reduce the number of people touching door handles.
- We are adding extra cleaning procedures with our cleaning service.
- We are taking extra precautions with procedures on Sunday morning to reduce the number of people touching the same surfaces or objects that could spread viruses.
Our normal recommendations during illnesses include:
- Please do not come to group events if you have had a fever or vomiting in the last 24 hours\
- Always cover your cough (cough into shoulder/arm or elbow)
- Wash hands after coughing, wiping your nose, touching face, etc.
- Be respectful during greetings of anyone choosing to maintain personal space
We are basing recommendations for COVID-19 on CDC guidelines as they are available (www.cdc.gov). As can be imagined, these will change on a frequent basis as we learn more. We want to not only protect ourselves, but also the very vulnerable people around us – in this case, any with lung/heart conditions, pregnancy, or other conditions with decreased immunity, specifically the elderly.
Additional recommendations for flu and COVID-19 are to avoid group events if:
- You have had flu-like symptoms in the last few days (fever with cough, shortness of breath)
- You have been in very close contact with someone with flu-like symptoms in the last few days
- You have known exposure in the last 14 days to someone with COVID-19
- You have travelled to or from China, Italy, South Korea, or any country/state that is flagged as level 2 or level 3 alert in the past 14 days (recommended because the virus is much more prevalent in those places than in the U.S.)
*** If your personal health is considered “high risk” by your medical provider, it is wise to stay home if the virus becomes more prevalent in our area ***
As we make further changes to regularly-scheduled ministries or events, we will let the congregation know through normal communications channels (Faith News, text message, website, social media). If you haven’t already signed up for text alerts from Faith, this is a good time to do so.
If you have any questions, please email info@faithliveitout.org.
Please do…
- Take seriously simple precautions of spreading any sickness. Washing your hands with soap and warm water is the best means of prevention. If displaying symptoms of sickness, please stay home. In a heightened time of awareness like this, your presence will cause others more concern even if your illness is simply the common cold
- Find information and instruction from trusted online sources. We recommend: The Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) or The World Health Organization (www.who.int). There is much information online directed at stirring fear and scams for the purposes of selfish financial gain. Please be wise in the sources you utilize and respond to.
- Take opportunity to share about your trust in Jesus during uncertain times. For many, times like this create anxiety, cynicism, or fear. People will be open to hear a message of hope today.
- Consider how you may be called to serve a little “extra” in the coming weeks. Many of our older saints will wisely decide to stay home; many of these saints are the backbone of ministry at Faith. How might God be calling you to serve?
- Pray!
-
- For the many medical professionals, public safety professionals, educators, missionaries, and others who are already affected or are preparing for a possible spread of the virus
- For the Lord’s protection from illness among our people
- For gospel opportunities to come from this outbreak
- For wisdom regarding ministry impact in the event of local COVID-19 cases
Please don’t…
- Under–react and dismiss this concern as unimportant. An attitude of “It’s not affecting me so I don’t care,” can be perceived as lacking compassion, and is not a display of biblical love.
- Over–react and respond in fear or anxiety. Use this experience to build your trust and faith in God.
- Be critical of others who are responding differently than you. Sarcasm or jokes about others is not helpful in creating a spirit of unity or expressing biblical love. It may push people away from Christ if they hear you responding in this manner.