COVID-19 Update - 3-12-20
NEW HOPE CHURCH CORONAVIRUS STATEMENT & PROCEDURE
Dear NEW HOPE CHURCH members and attendees,
NEW HOPE CHURCH is committed to the safety and well-being of our members and attendees. Therefore, NEW HOPE CHURCH adopts the following policy to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. To that end, we continue to monitor the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NYC Department of Public Health regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). We advise you to stay up to date as information about the coronavirus continues to evolve.
The best way to stay up to date, as far as New Hope is concerned, is to follow our Facebook (facebook.com/newhopenyc) and Twitter accounts (@newhopenyc), as well as Pastor Jonathan’s Twitter account (@jsnason). We will also send out important information via our email blast.
Will NEW HOPE CHURCH cancel Sunday Worship Gatherings and other events?
There are no plans to cancel Sunday Worship at this time, although we are cancelling the food during the fellowship time until further notice.
However, we will adhere to New York City rules: If the city prohibits gatherings of our size, we will comply with city recommendations and cancel Sunday services. We will monitor and follow guidelines from the CDC and New York Department of Health and send updates as needed.
For Community Groups, we leave that decision to each group. Be in contact with your group leader for updated information on whether your Community Group is still gathering.
Besides Sunday Worship and Community Groups, all other schedule activities are on a week by week basis. The Women’s Fellowship event for this Saturday (March 14, 2020) is cancelled.
If we were to cancel, we will provide information about how we intend to meet over the internet remotely. We are actively pursuing live broadcast options so that we can continue to worship, even if it is remotely. We are grateful that technology affords us that opportunity, if necessary.
It's important that facts outweigh fears and that we remain prayerful at this time. We encourage everyone to listen to health authorities, like the CDC, and follow common-sense precautions to protect themselves.
What is the 2019 Novel Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around one (1) out of every six (6) people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. About 2% of people with the disease have died. People with fever, cough or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately.
How does the virus spread?
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 3 feet away from a person who is sick.
How long before symptoms of the virus appear?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear between two (2) and 14 days after exposure.
What to do if you become ill.
If you experience fever, cough or difficulty breathing and you have 1) had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient or 2) traveled to/from an affected area within 14 days of the onset of your symptoms, stay home and contact a healthcare provider for guidance.
Prevention
There are currently no vaccines available to protect against human coronavirus infection. To reduce your risk of infection:
● Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
● Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
● Avoid contact with animals while abroad, including live bird markets.
● Ensure food is thoroughly cooked, including eggs and meats.
● Seek medical assistance as soon as possible if you develop symptoms during or after travel, especially if the symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Prayers of blessings,
Pastor Jonathan & Pastor Ajay