Coronavirus – Healthy Church Update

Image of  SARS-CoV-2 by Felipe Esquivel Reed 2020

In the past week, the COVID-19 epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, a newly identified coronavirus, has continued to escalate. How should we as a church respond, and how bad is it now ?

As of March 13, 2020:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic, or global epidemic, posing serious health risks. Of 132,758 confirmed cases worldwide, 7,499 were new in the previous 24 hours; of 4,955 deaths, 342 were new. This is roughly a 60% increase in cases and a 77% increase in deaths since my blog post on this topic 2 weeks ago. A Harvard epidemiologist estimates that 40% to 70% of the world population will become infected by late 2020, although most will have mild disease.

Italy, which after China has suffered the worst toll from COVID-19, is under lockdown. Schools and business are closed; gatherings and religious services are canceled; cafes and restaurants shut down after 6PM; and travel even within the country is prohibited except for strict work-related or health-related reasons. Despite these draconian measures, the total number of cases increased from 15,113 to 17,660 in the past 24 hours, and the number of deaths increased by 250 to 1,266.

President Trump has declared a state of emergency in the United States, placing a 30-day ban on most travel to the US from the EU, which WHO has now declared the epicenter of the pandemic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,678 US cases (414 new) in 46 states (4 new) and 41 deaths (5 new).

CDC infectious disease director Anthony Fauci has predicted that it will get worse before it gets better; that disruptions to daily life in the US may last up to 8 weeks or more; and has urged anyone over 60 years of age not to get on a cruise ship or long flight.

Army and Air National Guard components have been activated by the governors of Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, New York, Rhode Island and Washington, and may be joined today by guardsmen in California and Maryland, to support operations to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Guard members are training personnel on COVID-19 response, identifying and preparing National Guard facilities to use for isolation housing, compiling state medical supply inventories, and helping the states with logistical support, disinfection/cleaning, transportation of medical staff, call center support, and meal delivery.

Following suit with several other states, Gov. Ron deSantis has declared a state of emergency for Florida, has discouraged gatherings of more than 250 people, has recommended screening those who attend smaller gatherings, and has prohibited people who are likely to transmit the virus from visiting nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Florida’s Surgeon General Scott Rivkees stated that in older populations, mortality from COVID-19 is 20 to 40 times higher than from flu. The Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group has declared a state of emergency.

Cancellations and closings in the US include NFL, NHL and National Baseball League events; cruise travel on Viking, Princess and Disney lines; and many schools, universities, businesses, Broadway theatres, political rallies, and public gatherings or events. In response to the travel ban and travel alerts, airlines have cut back on many flights. The financial repercussions have been global and severe.

Cancellations and temporary closings in Florida, where we live, include all public schools, University of Florida, Florida State, University of Tampa, USF, Disney World, Universal Studios, Straz Center, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Mahaffey Theater, and Amalie Arena. Some local churches have cancelled in-person services for the coming week, including Idlewild Baptist Church, Mission Hills, and Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran.

How does COVID-19 spread?

SARS-CoV-2 virus is thought to spread mostly from person-to-person, between people who are within about 6 feet from one another, through respiratory droplets released from the cough or sneeze of an infected person. The virus can spread from people who are infected even before they know they are ill and even after they no longer have symptoms.

The virus can survive on surfaces such as wood, metal and plastic for up to several days, but can be killed in 1 minute by applying bleach or alcohol-based disinfectants. Virus particles can be found in stool as well as respiratory secretions from people with COVID-19, and can survive on toilet and bathroom surfaces. Most deaths and severe infections have been in people older than 60 years, especially those with underlying disease such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, or cancer.

How can we keep our church safe?

·         Thorough cleaning and disinfecting of commonly handled surfaces, and providing hand sanitizer and soap dispensers, tissues, and paper towels.

·         Social distancing by keeping people 6 feet apart, and not shaking hands, kissing or hugging.

·         Staying home from church, and from going anywhere, if you or someone living with you is ill or has any fever, coughing, sneezing, or shortness of breath.

·         Frequent hand washing by staff, workers and congregation, for at least 20 seconds, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, before entering church, and after using the toilet, eating, drinking, or touching surfaces.

·         Covering cough or sneeze with a tissue, or the arm if a tissue is unavailable.

·         Avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and eyes, especially with unwashed hands.

·         Disposing used tissues and paper towels in covered trashcans with liners and foot pedals.

·         Using single-serve, combined wafer/juice cups for communion, dispensed by elders wearing disposable gloves.

How can we keep ourselves safe? 

·         Follow all the above precautions.

·         Avoid crowds, such as in airplanes, airports, travel terminals, restaurants, superstores, theme parks, large events, or anywhere you are likely to encounter many people in close quarters, particularly when you don’t know their travel or medical history. Older people need to do this to avoid getting sick, and younger people need to do this to help keep older people healthy.

·         Keep informed by following updates on official CDC and WHO websites, and not being misled by fake news.

·         Keep nonperishable food, water and personal care supplies on hand, but don’t panic shop or hoard more than you and your family need.

·         If you get sick, call your doctor for guidance before going in person to avoid spreading the infection to others or catching other infections. Stay home, but if you must go out, wear a face mask to protect others.

What does Scripture say about how to respond to this and other danger?

Remain vigilant to protect ourselves, our church and our global community from weapons of Satan, who wants to devour us like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). The wise and prudent will recognize danger and take appropriate precautions, but the foolish will ignore danger and suffer the consequences (Proverbs 22:3; 27:12). God will give wisdom freely to all who ask Him for it (James 1:5-6).

Remember that Christ is the Great Physician, Who is risen with healing in His wings (Matthew 9:12; Malachi 4:2). His power is absolute and infinite, far exceeding that of Satan; He has placed a hedge of protection around His children (Job 1:10); and nothing “bad” can happen to a believer unless God allows it for our ultimate good and His ultimate glory (Genesis 50:20). No weapon formed against us can prosper (Isaiah 54:17).

Pray for all affected by respiratory infections, and for the epidemic to be contained and reversed, bearing one another’s burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

Fear not, which is a command that appears in Scripture 365 times, one for each day of the year! God’s perfect love can cast out all our fear, if we let go of our burdens at the foot of His cross and leave them there (1 John 4:16-18). We should not be anxious or panicked about anything, but make our requests known to God in prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). He knows what we need before we even ask Him (Matthew 6:8). God is not the author of confusion, but of peace that passes all understanding (1 Corinthians 14:33; Philippians 4:7).

Remember that Jesus Christ predicted an increase in devastating diseases as the time for His return draws nearer, along with other signs of the times (Matthew 24)., such as wars, rumors of wars, division, Christian persecution, and false teachers, that are rampant today. Although no man knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36; 25:13), we know that each passing day brings us one day closer to the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:52). We have the blessed hope (Titus 2:13) of knowing that the afflictions of this world are but temporary and trivial in light of the eternal glory that awaits us (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Pray that God will use this epidemic to bring others closer to Himself, working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called by Him for His specific purpose (Romans 8:28).

Know what you believe and be prepared to explain the Gospel to others who may ask you why a good God would allow innocent people to suffer (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 3:15). Put on the whole armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:11-18), especially the helmet of salvation (Isaiah 59:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8), knowing that we are saved and have eternal life through our faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Pray that our church will continue to grow and thrive. There is no safer place to be than in the center of God’s will, which includes being in church where we can encourage and support one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).until Christ returns and brings us home!

© 2020 Laurie Collett (Laurie Barclay, M.D.)

Let’s Keep Our Church Healthy!

Photo by Saffron Blaze 2012

One of the best qualities of our church is our love for one another, often shown through friendly hugs and handshakes. But in this particularly severe flu season, and with the threat of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading in the U.S. and elsewhere, we may need to rethink that and to use common sense to stay healthy.

COVID-19 spread rapidly from Wuhan, a single city in China, to all of mainland China in about 1 month. Outbreaks have since occurred in South Korea, Japan, Iran and Italy, as well as smaller numbers of cases in the U.S. and 40 other countries as of Feb. 27. On Feb. 26, the first U.S. case in a person who had not traveled or been in contact with anyone exposed to the virus was reported in California, suggesting spread of the virus within the community.

On Feb. 27, the number of new cases in countries other than China was greater for the first time than the number of cases in China, and nine new countries reported COVID-19 cases in the previous 24 hours. There have been reports of people becoming infected again once they recover, suggesting that the body may not become immune to COVID-19 after infection as it does after most infections.

The World Health Organization has not yet called COVID-19 a pandemic, or global epidemic, but warns that this could change at any time. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that spread throughout U.S. communities is only a matter of time, with potentially severe disruption to daily life, and urges schools, businesses, and other organizations to be prepared and to do all they can to prevent spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 spreads from person to person by virus droplets released into the air during coughing, or picked up from surfaces, where the virus can remain infectious for up to several hours. The incubation period may be as long as 27 days. That means that people can be infected with the virus and spread it to others for 3 weeks or more before they even know that they themselves are sick.

Aside from the threat of COVID-19, the current flu season in the United States is particularly severe. Both diseases may have similar symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, body aches, fatigue). There are specific vaccines and antiviral drugs against flu, but not against COVID-19, and these will likely not be available for at least 18 months.

How Bad Is It Now?

As of February 27, COVID-19 infections were reported worldwide in 82,294 people, of whom 2804 had died. This included 3664 people (746 new in the past 24 hours) in 46 countries (9 new) and 57 deaths (13 new) outside of China.

The percentage of patients infected with COVID-19 who have died is 2.3% overall, or 20 times higher than the death rate from flu (0.1%). Death rate from COVID-19 is much higher in the elderly (80 years or older: 14.8%; 70-79 years: 8.0%) and in those with chronic diseases (heart disease: 10.5%, diabetes: 7.3%, chronic lung disease: 6.3%, high blood pressure: 6.0%, cancer: 5.6%).

Even though 85% of patients have only mild infections, COVID-19 has already caused more deaths than the SARS and MERS viruses, because it is more infectious even though less deadly. Each person infected with COVID-19 can spread it to about four people.

As of February 15 in the U.S., the 2019-2020 flu season has caused more than 29 million ill patients, 13 million health care visits, 280,000 hospitalizations, and 16,000 deaths.

What Can We Do?

Avoid handshakes and hugs, even if you feel fine, as you could be infected and not even know it. A warm smile and kind word go a long way!

If you feel sick or have a fever, cough or cold symptoms not related to allergies, stay home from church and see a doctor.

Wash hands often with warm soapy water, for at least 20 seconds, especially before coming to church, after leaving public places, after sneezing, coughing or using the toilet, and before eating.

Use hand sanitizer; cough or sneeze into a tissue or your upper arm rather than your hands; and dispose of used tissues properly.

Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose, especially in public places, as virus droplets on your fingers could enter your respiratory tract and infect you.

Disinfect surfaces and avoid touching them unnecessarily, as virus droplets on surfaces can remain contagious for up to several hours.

Stay up-to-date with flu shots and other recommended vaccinations.

Stay healthy by eating healthy; not drinking or smoking; drinking enough water; getting enough sleep; and controlling weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar if you have diabetes.

Avoid unnecessary travel to other countries and airports or travel hubs.

How Can We Stay Spiritually Healthy?

Once we have been saved by trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6), we are indwelled by His Holy Spirit, Whose perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

As the body of Christ (Romans 12:5), the church is commanded to love one another (John 13:34) and even to love our enemies (Luke 6:27, 35), which includes acting responsibly to help prevent the spread of disease to our church family and community. In doing this, we should remember that there is a time to refrain from embracing (Ecclesiastes 3:5).

Remember that Jesus Christ predicted an increase in devastating diseases as the time for His return draws nearer, along with other signs of the times (Matthew 24), such as wars, rumors of wars, division, Christian persecution, and false teachers, that are rampant today. Although no man knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36; 25:13), we know that each passing day brings us one day closer to the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:52). We have the blessed hope (Titus 2:13) of knowing that the afflictions of this world are but temporary and trivial in light of the eternal glory that awaits us (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Pray for all affected by respiratory infections, and for the epidemic to be contained and reversed, bearing one another’s burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). We know that Christ is the Great Physician, Who is risen with healing in His wings (Matthew 9:12; Malachi 4:2).

Pray that God will use this epidemic to bring others closer to Himself, working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called by Him for His specific purpose (Romans 8:28).

Know what you believe and be prepared to explain the Gospel to others who may ask you why a good God would allow innocent people to suffer (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 3:15). Despite persecution and threat of contagion, evangelical Christians in Wuhan are handing out face masks on the streets as they preach the Good News to others.

Pray that our church will continue to grow and thrive. There is no safer place to be than in the center of God’s will, which includes being in church (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Pray that we will all be an encouragement to one another in this and in other trials until Christ returns and brings us home!

© 2020 Laurie Collett  (Laurie Barclay, M.D.)