Recent news coverage of the novel corona virus (COVID-19/Coronavirus) confirms its rise and expanding reach. I'm seeing a lot of headlines along the order of "Not If, but When." We know this illness is likely to affect the US in the coming weeks and months with deaths in numbers that appear similar to a particularly bad flu. Although there is no confirmed case near us at this time, the documentation in California of a case of community transmission (not linked to foreign travel) is cause for concern, especially wherever people may gather.
Leaders of faith communities and community organizations around the country are reaching out to both educate and assure members of their communities. Shoring up our bonds of community and connection helps us respond with appropriate and compassionate care during challenges and foster resiliency.
As with any public health threat, our best response, individually and collectively, is to be informed, take precautions, use common sense and keep calm.
Some practical information:
There's more you can do: One piece of advice I have been reading consistently is stocking up, if you can, on your regular medications, should you not be able to get to the pharmacy for an extended period of time.
More practical information and rolling updates from the World Health Organization can be found here.
Or here, at a Washington Post article dated 2/26/20.
Lastly, I encourage you to take time to reach out to one or more of your neighbors, friends, or family members. Let's keep each other calm, informed and healthy.
With blessings for the journey,
Rev. Cindy
Leaders of faith communities and community organizations around the country are reaching out to both educate and assure members of their communities. Shoring up our bonds of community and connection helps us respond with appropriate and compassionate care during challenges and foster resiliency.
As with any public health threat, our best response, individually and collectively, is to be informed, take precautions, use common sense and keep calm.
Some practical information:
- If you are sick, stay home -- from work, from school, from Fourth UU. Take care of yourself and think of others with whom you might come in contact. Remember, not everyone you come into contact with may have a strong immune system.
- Reach out by phone, or email, to let someone know you are ill. I am always reachable by email or phone.
- Wash your hands often, and do it well! If soap and running water are not available, then use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.... which we'll stock up on and keep available in our building.
- Sneeze and cough into flexed elbows rather than hands.
- Swap out hand-shakes for fist bumps!
- Maintain a social distance of three or more feet from someone who is coughing or showing other symptoms; check in with that person to see if they need help to ensure that are getting what they need to recover.
- Notice how often you touch your face -- we all touch our faces way more than you would ever think. Your awareness may help reduce this behavior, which is one of the ways any virus is spread.
There's more you can do: One piece of advice I have been reading consistently is stocking up, if you can, on your regular medications, should you not be able to get to the pharmacy for an extended period of time.
More practical information and rolling updates from the World Health Organization can be found here.
Or here, at a Washington Post article dated 2/26/20.
Lastly, I encourage you to take time to reach out to one or more of your neighbors, friends, or family members. Let's keep each other calm, informed and healthy.
With blessings for the journey,
Rev. Cindy
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