Dear Providence Family: 

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Considering the Coronavirus concerns, we are reaching out to let you know that we are monitoring the situation and will adjust our church programs when necessary.

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During this Coronavirus pandemic, there are variations of true information as well as faulty beliefs.  So, we wanted to clarify a few points for you and your family to ensure you are making good decisions and have the most accurate information.

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Q. How dangerous is the virus?

• Vast majority survive

• High mortality rate for elderly

• High mortality rate for people with chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, HIV

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Q. How is Coronavirus compared to the common flu?

• The fatality rate of the common flu is 0.1%. As of today, Coronavirus has a fatality rate of 3.7%. That is 37 times more deadly than the common flu

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Q. How does the virus spread?

• Close contact (within about 6 feet) with an infected person who coughs or sneezes

• Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes

• Touching infected objects and then touching mouth, nose, or eyes

 

Q. Can I get the virus from animal, or vice versa?

• No

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Q. Can I get the virus from a package sent from China?

• No

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Q. Can the virus stay on object surfaces? For how long?

• Yes. For 2 hours to 9 days depending on surface types

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Q. What are the symptoms?

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Body aches

• Nasal congestion

• Runny nose

• Sore throat

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Q. How long does it take to recover?

• Vast majority survive

• Up to 6 weeks to recover

• Very severe cases can take months

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Q. Are kids more at risk?

• Kids seem to have mild to no symptoms

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Q. Are pregnant women at risk?

• No one knows for sure

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Q. What is the treatment?

• No treatment specifically approved

• Seek immediate help from medical professional

• Keep immune system strong

  • Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grain

  • Hydrated

  • Rest

  • Exercise

  • Control stress level

  • Control blood pressure

  • No smoking

  • No drinking alcohol

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Q. When will this pandemic end?

• No one knows for sure

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Q. How can I protect myself and others?

• Clean hands often

• Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol

• Avoid touching mouth, nose, or eyes

• Avoid handshaking

• Avoid close contact with sick people

• Taking your own temperature and avoid activities with others if your temperature is higher than 99.5° F

• Stay home if sick

• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

• Throw used tissues in the trash

• Wear mask if sick

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surface using bleach solutions, alcohol solutions, or other disinfectants

• Seek immediate help from medical professional if you develop symptoms

• Contact health care provider if you have had close contact with infected person

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While it is important not to panic, it is equally important to stay vigilant as more information is learned about this virus.

Let us pray for one another and trust Christ for our peace and security.

 

Blessings,

Pastor Dale

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