Dear friends and members,
Many of you are aware that federal health officials are advising hospitals, schools, churches and other public facilities to make preparations in anticipation of the spread of the coronavirus in the United States. I along with staff are paying close attention to this evolving situation. We have already added increased community health protection steps and are planning for ways we can continue our ministry together even as circumstances change.
As the CDC recommends, as in any flu and cold season, we can best protect ourselves and one another by paying close attention to careful hygiene practices, especially:
- Wash your hands fully and frequently.
- Keep your hands off your face, particularly your mouth, nose and eyes.
- Get a flu shot.
- Disinfect your cell phone and the surfaces in your home and workplace regularly.
- Don’t go to work, school, church or any public gathering if you are feeling sick.
The coronavirus, like the flu, is spread from close, person-to-person contact, as well as from contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. Here are some of the extra steps we are taking to make sure our facilities are as safe as possible:
- We are making anti-bacterial soap and hand sanitizer freely available
- We encourage congregants who are not feeling well to use our livestream of Sunday Worship services (Access our livestream)
- We, your minister and staff, will discontinue for the time being our custom of greeting with a handshake and encourage you to do the same. Feel free to greet us and others by holding your hand over your heart or giving a friendly nod.
We also need to keep ourselves fully informed about the most recent developments. Here are a few places where you can get information to protect yourself and your family:
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
MA Dept. of Public Health: https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
You may also find this video from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation informative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIL5m5XznNY
Please know that we will do everything we can to keep our beloved community safe and informed in the days ahead. Take good care of yourselves and one another, as we hold those who are directly affected by this crisis in our thoughts and prayers.
With love and gratitude,
Reverend Rebecca