RESPONDING TO THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

March 10, 2020

RESPONDING TO THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Let’s all do our best to stay healthy!

 

STAY HOME:

  • Be a good citizen and follow the state's guidelines for the lock-down.  Unless you qualify as "exempt" and able to go to work according to those guidelines... stay home.
  • Those who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay away from others until they are free of fever, signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants).

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT:

  • ANYONE who appears to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) should go home immediately and call a doctor. CALL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE GOING TO THE HOSPITAL!!! Special procedures and entrances are being used by many hospitals to reduce the potential spread of the Coronavirus. Using common entrances could put others at risk.

 

  • EVERYONE should cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or use an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available).

 

  • If you have symptoms or have a family member with symptoms and N95 masks are available to you, you should wear them.

USE GOOD RESPIRATORY ETIQUETTE AND HAND HYGIENE:

  • Use tissues or your elbow or shoulder every time you cough or sneeze.

 

  • Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 70-95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used preferentially and especially if hands are visibly dirty.

 

  • Try not to touch your face with your hands, especially after coming into contact with any surface used by others.

 

PERFORM ROUTINE ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING:

  • If possible, routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in your home or workspace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs.

TAKE THESE PRECAUTIONARY STEPS, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAVELING:

  • Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations; this is especially true for anywhere you will travel. Specific travel information for travelers going to and returning from China, Japan, Iran, Italy and South Korea can be found on the CDC website.

 

  • Monitor yourself for symptoms of respiratory illness before starting travel and stay home if you are sick.

 

  • If you have medical conditions that reduce your resistance to flu or viruses, or if you are elderly, you are at a higher risk for COVID-19, air or sea travel may need to be suspended.

ADDITIONAL MEASURES IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19:

  • Anyone who is well, but who has a sick family member at home with COVID-19, should stay at home and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.

 

  • If you become aware of anyone who is confirmed to have COVID-19 in the congregation, you should inform the pastor or deacons of the possible exposure to COVID-19 among others within the congregation. Anyone exposed to a someone with confirmed COVID-19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.

 

ADDITIONAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT:

 

  • NJ Health Website nj.gov/health or call the NJ Coronavirus & Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 (or 1-800-962-1253 if using out-of-state phone line)

 

FOR THE TIME BEING, THE CHURCH HAS SUSPENDED FELLOWSHIP HANDSHAKES, HUGS, AND KISSES… consider bumping forearms, a smile and slight bow, head nod, or blowing kisses from a distance.  Show your love by helping to stop the transmission of COVID-19.