Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses known to cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases such as this new coronavirus that’s originated in Hubei Province, China. The disease caused by this particular virus is named COVID-19.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other colds and flus and include:
While coronavirus is of concern, it is important to remember that most people displaying these symptoms are likely suffering with a cold or other respiratory illness – not coronavirus.
COVID-19 is most likely to spread from person-to-person through:
If you develop symptoms you should arrange to see your doctor for urgent assessment. You should telephone the health clinic or hospital before you arrive and tell them any travel history or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus. You must remain isolated, such as in your home, until public health authorities inform you it is safe for you to return to your usual activities.
All people who arrive in Australia from any international destination as of midnight 15 March 2020, or think they may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
If a household member is a suspected case, you may need to be isolated. This will be determined by your public health unit on a case-by-case basis. Your public health unit will contact you if you need to isolate.
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you must stay at home to prevent it spreading to other people. You might also be asked to stay at home if you may have been exposed to the virus.
Staying at home means you:
You do not need to wear a mask in your home. If you need to go out to seek medical attention, wear a surgical mask (if you have one) to protect others.
You should stay in touch by phone and on-line with your family and friends.
Social distancing is one way to help slow the spread of viruses such as COVID-19. Social distancing includes staying at home when you are unwell, avoiding large public gatherings if they’re not essential, keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between you and other people whenever possible and minimising physical contact such as shaking hands, especially with people at higher risk of developing serious symptoms, such as older people and people with existing health conditions.
Some people who are infected may not get sick at all, some will get mild symptoms from which they will recover easily, and others may become very ill, very quickly. From previous experience with other coronaviruses, the people at most risk of serious infection are:
There is no specific treatment for coronaviruses. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Most of the symptoms can be treated with supportive medical care and basic medical supplies.
Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene and keeping your distance from others when you are sick is the best defence against most viruses. You should:
The outbreak of any virus in aged care facilities can cause significant problems. However COVID-19 is a health risk for older people. In order to protect older people, restrictions apply. Do not visit aged care facilities if you have:
From 1 May you must have your influenza vaccination in order to visit an aged care facility.
The Government has also announced that aged care facilities must take extra precautions when it comes to visits, including:
If visiting family and friends in residential aged care facilities is not possible, it’s important to keep in touch via phone and video calls.
Currently, the Australian Government has advised that non-essential outside gatherings should be limited to 500 people.
From 18 March 2020, non-essential, organised indoor gatherings of more than 100 people will no longer be permitted.
Let’s be reminded that all through history, and throughout or lives, God has been in absolute control.
At times it can appear that things are completely out of control, but we know that there’s never been a moment when God has lost control of what’s going on. We need to remember His words; “He will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is stayed on Him.”
We need to continue to keep our minds on Him today, and let’s keep our confidence and our hope alive today that our God has a purpose and a plan for each of us.
At this time we are practicing social distancing but not spiritual distancing. Through technology we will still continue to gather together, worship together, grow together and celebrate together God’s sovereignty and power.
The decision to shut the doors of our church has not been made out of fear or faithlessness but rather in the season we are filled with faith. The decision has been made in accordance to the directive of our State and Federal Governments, we wish to support our country’s leaders, those who are fighting the spread of the COVID-19 virus. And the decision has been made because your health and your family’s health are important to us.
As you know, church buildings are closed, but churches are not! This means that church will probably look different this week and for a while to come.
Gatherings of less than 100 people should follow extra precautions, including:
There are many ways to stay connected with our church families and plenty of resources on running home church. Check out these resources as a start:
It is very simple to return your tithes and offerings to the Church even if the building is shut. You can easily download the E-giving App (https://egiving.org.au) and proceed to give using this online method.
If for some reason you are unable to give using the online E-giving App keep a record and put aside the tithes and offerings you would normally return and at the first opportunity give your ‘collection’ to your local church treasurer or pastor.
Yes, if it is urgent that you need visitation, your pastor or perhaps church elder is able to visit you provided you have not;
Here are a couple of handy sites to keep an eye on;
