Friends,
You may have seen on the news that the Coronavirus is finding its way into BC. You may be aware the Health Minister of BC has issued a statement with the federal health minister in which they make the following recommendation:
“There has been a notable transmission of COVID-19 at events, such as religious gatherings. As a result, we recommend social distancing and forgoing usual greetings. As an alternative, we recommend considering virtual online gatherings."
Refer to: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0064-000413
Each of you within your own communities will need to decide how you want to respond to this recommendation, but I make the following suggestions:
- Don’t panic.
- Please practice good flu season hygiene which includes:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not into your hands.
- Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.
- Please stay home and get medical help if you are experiencing ALL THREE of the following symptoms of COVID- 19:
- Fever, cough, difficulty breathing
- Consider changing protocols relating to communion and passing of the peace to limit contact.
Blessings to you all as we live into the uncertainty of what this means for all of us.
In gratitude for your service,
Treena Duncan
Regional Executive Minister
Chinook Winds and Pacific Mountain Regional Councils
Rev. Jay Olsen
Pacific Mountain Regional Council President