COVID-19, a letter from our Parish Nurse

Out of an abundance of precaution to the recent COVID-19 (Coronavirus) that has developed, Mount Olive has determined to be proactive in helping our church and its members stay safe and healthy. As your Parish Nurse, I am sending this message to you with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control. These recommendations are things we should be practicing to limit the spread of illness.

1. Avoid contact with people who are sick.
2. With everyone, maintain a 3 to 6 foot distance.
3. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, touching your face or having been in a public place. Wash your hands as soon as you arrive home from work, shopping, school, church or any public areas or gatherings. If soap and water not available use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. At Mount Olive Church, mini hand sanitizer bottles are in each pew, and hand sanitizer dispensers are at the entry to the worship area and on the second floor Sunday School area. There are sinks in the restrooms. (Commercial wipes and sprays and even bleach may be hard to find at stores. If you have bleach at home, follow the directions on the bottle to dilute it for disinfecting use. Do not use bleach at full strength.)
4. To repeat this important note, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash your hands if you do. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water not available.
5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces of your home with cleaners labeled to kill viruses. Do not rely on vinegar or essential oils to kill the COVID-19 virus. Follow directions on the cleaner’s label. Frequently touched areas include door knobs, light switches, faucets, sinks, banisters, countertops, chairs and tabletops.
6. Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Call your healthcare provider prior to visit and follow their recommendations.
7. Avoid hand contact. While we are at church, everyone will understand if we don’t hold hands during the Lord’s Prayer, and greeting. A warm smile and kind words are welcoming and loving also. I pray we will be able to return to our hand holding and hand shaking in the future.