Coronavirus

March 14
I am about to recommend that most of you don't show up tomorrow for our 9am worship service. After careful research I want to advocate caution and wisdom for your protection. Don't worry if you are scheduled to teach Sunday school or perform worship or watch the nursery or serve for the fellowship time or whatever. The state guideline is no gatherings over 250. And sane church leaders have recommended no services over 100. But many of you fall under the at-risk category and I would hate to have you perish prematurely because you were not well-advised.  Please serve the body by not coming if you are sick. And please serve the body by not coming if you are at risk. If that leaves 10 of us that is okay. Your well-being is what matters. Please, for your own well-being, read the following data and make an informed decision.
Pastor Eric
Coronavirus details
1) Nearly 5,000 dead
2) Over 130,000 confirmed cases
3) 3.4% mortality rate (common flu mortality rate is 0.1%)
4) 15% mortality rate for those 60 years or older (take existing health conditions into account here)
5) 22% mortality rate for those 80 years or older
6) 85-89% have minor conditions often unnoticed
7) High risk: those 60 and older or those suffering from chronic diseases
8) Virus enters through your mouth, nasal route, or eyes from droplets caused by coughs or sneezing
9) Six feet is safe distance
10)  Incubation period is 2 to 14 days
11)  Symptoms are same as the common flu for 85-89%
12)  Severe and critical symptoms such as respiratory distress and pneumonia for 11-15%
13)  Vaccine may take 12-18 months to develop
Safety measures
1) Frequent hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds
2) Don't touch your face
3) Minimize physical contact: shaking hands, hugging, kissing, etc.
4) Keep your distance from sneezing and coughing people
5) Stay home when you're sick for the safety of others
6) Don't travel where the virus is known to be
7) If you are elderly or chronically ill avoid crowds and close contact
Sources (both articles written by Christian medical doctors with sound theological convictions)
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-we-know-coronavirus/
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/neighbor-love-covid-19/
What are the motives behind preventing large crowds from gathering?
1) Protecting at risk people
2) Stopping the spread of the Coronavirus
3) Preventing our hospitals and health care system from being overwhelmed and unable to care for the sick
4) For the church our motive is love for the vulnerable, not fear or panic or self-protection