Corona Virus Update (13 March 2020)

Uncategorized

The Baptist Union are now recommending limiting close contact.
This means there should be no physical contact e.g. shaking hands or hugging.

As a precautionary measure the Ministry Team have taken the decision to suspend the serving of coffee after morning worship.

The Baptist Union of Great Britain : Coronavirus – advice for churches (Issued 10 March 2020)

https://www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/567265/Coronavirus_advice_for.aspx

There is no advice about people gathering together and therefore church services and meetings do not have to be cancelled. 

Welcoming friends and strangers:

Advice has been issued to travellers who have returned to the UK from a number of countries.   More details of the countries can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/advice-for-travellers/

The advice has changed for anyone who has returned to the UK from one of the lockdown areas in the last 14 days.  They are now being told to self-isolate regardless of whether any symptoms are being displayed.  For travellers returning from other high-risk areas and develops symptoms of cough or fever or shortness of breath, the advice is that they should immediately:

  • stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu;
  • call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the country.

More detail can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

If a person has returned from one of the high risk countries and has followed all the advice from the health service, including self-isolation, without developing symptoms, it is important that our welcome is the same as for anyone.

Currently Government advice regarding Coronavirus, COVID-19 is that individuals should follow good hygiene practices including: 
  • carrying tissues and using them to catch coughs and sneezes, and binning the tissue;
  • washing hands with soap and water (for 20 seconds) or using sanitiser gel to kill germs.
  • avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • if you feel unwell, stay at home.
  • cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

More detail can be found at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

What are Shirley Baptist Church doing?

We are in regular contact with all our suppliers, however we are still unable to get hold of alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
There is hand sanitiser in The Link for people with limited mobility who are unable to access the toilets.

We have soap available in all of our toilets and we would advise all those attending services or events to wash their hands on arrival.
To help you wash for the recommended 20-30 seconds you can sing the National Anthem or say The Lord’s Prayer.
Please do not use the kitchens for routine handwashing.

We will continue to keep up to date with the latest guidance from the Baptist Union, the UK Government and NHS England.

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Kirsty
Office Administrator
On behalf of Shaun and the Pastoral Team