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With global health issues being much in the recent news, the following information is being
offered to you as a proactive preventative. As of this writing, the virus named COVID -19 has
not been found in our State, it may well be a matter of time when the conditions have
changed. The information is to help you think about possible common sense measures for you
and your family members to prepare. It is difficult to make plans, because in the worst case
scenario plans would be made for us instead. So you are being asked to EDUCATE yourself,
BUILD awareness and PREPARE.
EDUCATE YOURSELF:
Information is available from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It cover these areas about COVID-19:
• How it Spreads
• Symptoms
• Prevention and Treatment
• What to Do if You Are Sick
• COVID-19 FAQS
Learn first so you can assist your family and others with whom you interact.
BUILD AWARENESS:
What is recommended is common sense; and, at this point, is similar to what is recommended to help control the seasonal flu. Remembering that our Diocese is currently not dealing with COVID-19, some simple actions can be effective:
• Don’t come to work or send your children to school if you or they have symptoms of
acute respiratory illness. Stay home until you are fever free for at least 24 hours
without use of a fever reducing medicine.
• If you need to stay home to care for a sick family member, please do so.
• Wash hands often during the day and instruct family members to do the same.
• Avoid touching the mouth and eyes.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Use hand sanitizer.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household
cleaning spray or wipe.
Encourage your family and friends to educate themselves, monitor their health, and take
preventative actions to stay healthy.
PREPARE:
Here are a few things you can do:
• Store a two week supply of water and food.
• Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your
home.
• Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain
relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medication, fluids with electrolytes, and
vitamins.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got
sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
• See if you can work from home in the event of a pandemic.
• Plan home learning activities if school is closed.
You may note that the recommended procedures remind you of Hurricane Preparation and
Response. They are similar. While a Hurricane has a projected time line for an affected
location and a remote/ imminent guestimate for arrival, there is no clear model for COVID-19.
At this time, Bishop Duca has chosen NOT to make any changes to the Worship procedures in
the Diocese. We continue to pray that those who have been affected will be spared and that
this disease will be fought with the medical arts, a common international effort in good will for
world health, and God’s grace.