Responding to COVID-19

We are met with a unique challenge to care for our communities while maintaining distance to protect those who are vulnerable to the spread of the novel coronavirus. We advise you to visit the Los Angeles Public Health Department website or the CDC website for updates about the virus and current recommendations. We also advise you to read Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Safer at Home Order.

PC(USA) Easter Worship from Presbyterian Mission Agency on Vimeo.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It has spread from the first cases identified in China to many other countries including the United States. The number of COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County continues to rise, including many cases due to community transmission of COVID-19. With the rise in cases has come a rise in serious illness among county residents and of deaths due to COVID-19.

The following guidance for faith-based organizations may help to prevent exposure to COVID-19 and thus help reduce its spread. It is of utmost importance that we avert a peak in serious illness that would strain hospital capacity. Your assistance in that effort is critical.

Guidance for Congregations from Presbyterian Disaster Relief

In response to severe infectious disease outbreak

As the media generates interest in the current outbreak of Coronavirus, presbyteries and congregations have an opportunity for a ‘teachable moment’ about how to prepare for and respond to widespread contagious diseases. As you begin to plan, two items to address are what can/should be done NOW, and what may be necessary LATER.

WHAT TO DO NOW……………….

Create a task force to coordinate the church’s response within the congregation and in the community. Name one person the primary contact for all messages related to the response.

Precautions

Take common sense precautions to slow or prevent the spread of the flu among members:

• Ask ill members to stay home. Provide alternative spiritual care for those who cannot attend worship or other functions due to these precautions.
• Ask members to sit in alternate rows, to provide the recommended 3’ social distance during an outbreak.
• Train ushers to assist those who may be affected. Tissues, small bottles of sanitizer, and masks can help.
• Have alcohol-based hand sanitizer (minimum 60% alcohol) in the restrooms for use after hand washing.
• Increase diligence when cleaning kitchens, restrooms, and classrooms. Use disinfectant spray on all hard surfaces, including door handles.
• Clean children’s toys in Sunday school classes and day care facilities after each class. Mix one part household bleach to ten parts water (make fresh solution for the day of use), or use Clorox® surface spray with bleach.
• Turn off and mark all water fountains “do not use”.
• Increase the supervision of small children in hygiene habits (day care and Sunday school.)
• Consider changing communion practices away from common cup and shared loaf. Consider using prefilled communion sets or have on the celebrant, gloved, handle bread disbursement. Prepare elements wearing gloves and masks. Keep elements covered until used. Communicants can be brought forward by rows.
• During passing of the peace, simply smile and say the words, without hugs or handshakes.
• Ensure that those handling food (for any church functions including Meals on Wheels, food pantry or in-house food service) follow enhanced precautions for safe food handling, including the use of gloves, masks, and hair coverings.