After consulting with medical personnel and those knowledgeable in the field of health care, I want to alert you to new precautions to prevent the spread of H1N1 virus at St. Paul’s. The following precautions will take effect this weekend (October 31-November 1) and will remain in effect until further notice.
Symptoms of the Flu
First of all, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, chills, cough, fatigue, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea), you should stay away from church, work, or school until at least 24 hours have passed since the subsiding of your fever (without using any fever-reducing medication). This is extremely important, and may be the greatest kindness you can extend to others during a flu epidemic.
Hand-Washing & Use of Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is now available at all entrances of the church and in each of the pews. For your own sake and for the sake of others, please make use of it. The Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov) recommends hand-washing with antibacterial soap and warm/hot water as the best way to fight germs. When unable to hand-wash, hand sanitizer is a good second choice.
The Passing of the Lord’s Peace
Coughing and hand-to-mouth/hand-to-nose movement from contact with H1N1 infected surfaces are the principal ways of passing infection. The passing of the Lord’s peace at the Sign of Peace can be done verbally and need not require physical contact. As an act of kindness in passing the Peace, please wait for an indication from those around you to see whether a handshake or an embrace is welcome. If not, the simple statement, “May the peace of the Lord be with you” should suffice.
Receiving Holy Communion
* Beginning this weekend (October 31-November1) and only on a temporary basis, the reception of Holy Communion from the cup will not be an option. Again, this is only a temporary measure and not a permanent arrangement. When flu season has passed or we receive notification from health officials that the danger of widespread contagion has passed we will resume Communion from the cup.
* Those receiving Holy Communion are asked to make use of the hand sanitizer in their pew just before approaching to receive the Communion wafer.
* To avoid the spread of germs and bacteria, clergy and Eucharistic ministers will use hand sanitizer immediately before the administration of Holy Communion.
* Prior to all services, all acolytes, Eucharistic ministers, and members of our Altar Guild, are advised to wash their hands with soap and warm/hot water and make liberal use of the hand sanitizer abundantly available as they handle chalices, patens, and communion ware.
Precautions at Home
As indicated above, hand-washing with antibacterial soap and warm/hot water is the best way to fight germs. Influenza viruses can be destroyed by heat (167-212 degrees Fahrenheit). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against influenza viruses if used in proper concentration and for a sufficient length of time. Wipes and gels with alcohol in them should be rubbed into hands until hands are dry.
Utah has experienced 12 deaths due to H1N1 infection since September 1st. Your help and understanding are greatly appreciated.
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