March 3, 2020
David Chapel Members and friends,
I pray this communication finds you well. We know that life depends on spiritual health, and on physical well-being.
As you know, the world is watching a dangerous disease spread. We don’t know how widely or quickly the Coronavirus (COVID-19) will spread. I do know that our members want to help limit its spread for the health of one another and the whole world. As of today, it has been reported that in Travis County, at least one person is being tested locally for the new coronavirus, but no cases have been confirmed in Central Texas. In general, it seems the risk level in Austin/Central Texas remains low right now.
Churches are places where people gather and care for one another. This is a season when it is important for us to be careful and to develop intentional habits that can prevent the spread of this disease. Accordingly, we will modify our approach to our congregational prayers and welcome (“reach-out-and-touch) period by resisting shaking and holding hands. Perhaps you can suggest a new non-touching gesture of greeting.
We will continue to monitor our local situation.
Therefore, I encourage our members, wherever you gather, to take these reasonable precautions, consistent with the advice of the World Health Organization:
- Avoid panic
- Stay home when you don’t feel well or have cold or flu-like symptoms. Model this behavior and encourage others to do the same.
- Download and read the hygiene advice (linked below).
- Be sure to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. We will have containers available in the foyer and fellowship hall.
- Check the World Health Organization website, and local health sites for new public notices, publicize them.
https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
The spread of COVID-19 is a situation that we’ll be watching closely.
May God bless you and keep you healthy and safe,
Pastor Parker
