COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

 

Thursday February 27, 2020

Dear clergy, wardens and standing committee,

Please read this email carefully.

I have been monitoring the news coverage on the global COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.  On Tuesday the 25th of February the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a statement asking the public to prepare for a potential health crisis. As of Wednesday, the 26th, 59 confirmed cases have been reported in the United States.

The situation is very fluid. The CDC has been candid, stating that this is a novel virus and that their understanding of its transmission and treatment is limited.

According to the CDC:

• The risk today: "For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low."
• The future: "However, it's important to note that current global circumstances suggest it is likely that this virus will cause a pandemic. In that case, the risk assessment would be different."

I encourage each congregation to adopt the following measures to help minimize the spread of any contagion.

• Encourage any members with symptoms of a cough, disease or a fever within the last 24 hours to stay at home. 
• Provide several containers of alcohol based (60%-95%) hand sanitizer around your congregation in highly visible and accessible areas. Make sure there is a container available for members  to use before taking Holy Communion.
• Provide boxes of Kleenex and facial tissue in the sanctuary so that those members who are coughing and sneezing can safely cover their mouths and nose.
• Provide empty waste bins in the sanctuary so that soiled facial tissue can be disposed of safely.
• Before and after officiating, all clergy should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds .
• Clergy and Lay Eucharistic Ministers must use hand sanitizer right before they begin distributing the Communion elements.
• Take care of your self during pastoral visitations. Follow all infection control measures in place at hospitals.

Resources that can be printed and posted in your parish:

The diocese will continue to monitor the situation and issue further guidance as it is deemed necessary. We also urge you to follow the guidelines of your local health department. If you have any questions that require clarification or concerns about health risks in your local community please feel free to reach out to the diocese via phone (1- 703-662-0265) or email ([email protected]).

 

Above all, the greatest measure we can take is to pray to our merciful God for deliverance and healing. I ask that all parishes devote time within the Prayers of the People this Sunday for those in the United States and the World that are infected with or exposed to COVID-19.  

 

May God bless you and your congregations