Thought For The Week 8 March 2020

Currently our news is full of this new flu like virus, COVID 19 which may be causing some concern among you. It is in our nature to fear the unknown and media reports have a way of amplifying these fears.  According to the Ministry of Health the likelihood of a widespread outbreak of this virus remains low in New Zealand. They offer the following information on how the virus spreads and how to keep ourselves safe:(from their website https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus)

Like the flu, COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person. The scientific evidence confirms that coronavirus is spread by droplets. This means that when an infected     person coughs, sneezes or talks, they may generate droplets containing the virus. These droplets are too large to stay in the air for long, so they quickly settle on surrounding surfaces.

Droplet-spread diseases can be spread by:

coughing and sneezing

close personal contact

contact with an object or surface with viral particles on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

That’s why it’s really important to practice good hygiene, regularly wash and thoroughly dry your hands and practice good cough etiquette.

 Remember too that if you are feeling unwell it is wise to stay away from other people (so you have permission to not come to church!) and consult your doctor early. We will also have hand sanitizer available at each site so please make use of that. And please, if you are felling anxious about any of this don’t hesitate to contact myself or Rory for pastoral assistance.

Blessings,

Brent