HOPE worldwide Global Response: to see what HOPE worldwide is doing around the world to support those adversely affect by the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit hopeww.org/coronavirus.

Follow healthy and hygienic daily practices.

1. Eat healthy, stay hydrated and rest well.
2. Stay home, especially if you are sick! In the current situation even if it is a mild illness, best to wait till you have recovered
3. If you have mild symptoms, you don’t necessarily need to see a doctor
4. If you are moderately unwell or concerned about your health, then see your health provider (e.g. GP, after hours services like National Home Doctor, Emergency Department of a hospital etc.)
5. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.  Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be used to supplement, NOT replace, regular hand washing with soap and water. 
   
   

Reduce your risk of exposure.

1. Follow local social distancing advice
   
2. Keep your distance (about 1.5 meters) from those who may have symptoms of upper respiratory illness. Avoid shaking hands or other close contact (greetings with kisses, hand-holding, etc.) with them.
3. Travel is currently not recommended in many areas. If you feel uncomfortable about traveling or people traveling to your location, consider holding meetings by video or phone conference.
4. Follow the travel warnings updated daily at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.
5. Unless you are sick, you do not need to wear a mask. Health workers are recommended to wear surgical masks in high risk settings such as in Emergency Departments wear there are many sick people
   

Take travel safety precautions (note local travel restrictions).

1. If you are in an area that has had a community outbreak and can delay travel by plane, do so
2. If you do travel by plane, make sure to wipe down your tray table, armrests, seat, etc. with disinfectant.
3. Stay hydrated and keep your hands clean.

Brothers and Sisters,
We ask you to join us in prayer for those affected by the recent outbreak of the coronavirus and the healthcare professionals who are treating affected people.  As of January 29, 2020, the World Health Organization has confirmed 6,065 cases of the infection and an additional 9,239 cases are suspected. One hundred thirty-two people have died from the virus and cases are confirmed in 15 countries.
While the virus is very serious, church members and the HOPE worldwide global network should not be overly concerned. Thankfully, there have only been five cases confirmed in the US, and all those infected had traveled to Wuhan, China. The risk to the US is still low. Nevertheless, we should take simple and common precautions to help prevent the spread of any disease.

Please visit the following links for detailed information about the current outbreak.

• www.who.int
• www.cdc.gov

HOPE worldwide is humbled to partner with the International Churches of Christ, which are known to have some of the most loving and affectionate people in the world! Disciples like to hug, some disciples kiss, and all love to be close. However, since previous coronavirus outbreaks have been spread via human-to-human contact, it is possible that the current iteration is similarly passed on.
Therefore, HOPE worldwide wants to remind you to consider some important safety tips in the wake of the current outbreak of the coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Regular Precautions (from the WHO and CDC)

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, and especially after contact with someone who may be ill.
• Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.
• Avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.
• People with symptoms of acute respiratory infections should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).
• People who have a fever and cough should worship from home and remain at home until 24 hours after the last fever. Also, they should contact their primary care provider if they are concerned that they may have been exposed to someone who has been exposed to someone (or has traveled) from Wuhan, China. (This will be helpful not only with the coronavirus but also with the rampant influenza that is going around the US and other countries).
• Within healthcare facilities, enhance standard infection prevention and control practices in hospitals, especially in emergency departments.
• The CDC has issued a warning notice to “avoid nonessential travel” to China.
• If you have traveled recently to China, and in particular to the Wuhan province, and are experiencing cold/flu symptoms, please see your healthcare professional.

Unique Precautions in the Church Meeting Environment

• You are loved!  Perhaps take a small break from hugging in the church environment.
• Similarly, avoid holding hands during singing and prayer.
• Communion services should include sealed and individual cups for the juice and bread offered during that sacred time.
• Ushers should frequently wash their hands and should wear gloves when passing out communion trays.
• Children’s programs should remind parents that if they have a sick child to perhaps stay home until the child gets better!
• If you are sick, stay home!  Numerous churches around the world stream their services.

For more information about HOPE worldwide’s Global Disaster Response efforts contact:
Dave Tomlinson, Director Global Disaster Response
dave.tomlinson@hopeww.org
Charles Ham, Global Disaster Advisor 
charles.ham@hopeww.org
Paul Frugé II, Sr Director, Communications
paul.fruge@hopeww.org

Information and recommendations were gleaned from the WHO and CDC, along with contributions from Dr. Kevin Broyles, HOPE worldwide Global Health Advisor; Dr. Marc Aguirre, HOPE worldwide Africa; and Angelo Damiano, HOPE worldwide Security Consultant.

Adelaide:
Phil Boringer serves as a HOPE rep for the Adelaide Church of Christ and has been coordinating food preparation and delivery to fire victims. Photos from the area affected (above). Members from the Adelaide Christian church have been delivering food since December. Over 50 meals were prepared and through coordination with the Woodside Lutheran Church food depot about 20 families and people living alone received cooked meals. In addition a few church members (Phil, Saji and Jeevas) drove around affected communities in Harrogate and Mont Torrens delivering meals and hampers. Their feedback: it was a sobering experience meeting those who had lost nearly everything or fought and managed to survive. 
 
Melbourne:
Andrew Plant is a volunteer fire fighter. He was sent to southern New South Wales and the Victorian Highlands as part of a strike team to fight fires in December. He is still on standby to respond to anymore major events in his allocated area- fortunately there are none currently, which is also helpful because he doesn’t have any more leave from work.
 
Audrey Woo, is a mother of two and her eldest son, Tony is on active duty as a volunteer fire fighter in Canberra where fires are ongoing. He has been working tirelessly for weeks, will sometimes only get a couple of hours sleep between shifts and just then just has a time for instant noodles for food. He has been working with a team which is under resourced and thinly spread- if you divide the fire line by volunteer fire fighters you effectively have one person to every four kilometres.
 
Ian Paton is a member of the Melbourne Church and is a retired volunteer firefighter. However this hasn’t stopped him from supporting his local Country Fire Authority through fundraising. He engaged local motorcycle groups and car clubs in order to raise funds. This raised approximately $10,000 which was used in replenishing and replacing fire hoses. Ian suggests that if you would like to help, do the same- find a local brigade involved in the fire fighting and make contact with the captain. This way your donation will go directly to where it is needed and avoid the red tape of bureaucracy.
 
Sydney:
Mark Darvodelskyis is part of the Sydney Church of Christ and a Deputy Captain for the Rural Fire Service (RFS) of New South Wales. This is a volunteer organization where only the managerial positions would have professional firefighters, everyone else are volunteers. Mark has been with this group for almost thirty years now and he leads a brigade of 4-6 people. He shares that most of the bushfires around Sydney and the Blue Mountains are under control now although there are still fires along the southern part of the state. In terms of support Mark says that the RFS is pretty well funded so no immediate needs there. He does agree that having groups visiting affected communities and maybe having a meal or shopping there will greatly help the local economy get back on its feet.
 
Queensland:
A number of church members from Brisbane & Goldcoast as well as Melinda Smith (recently moved to Melbourne) have signed up to Volunteer Queensland which gives you an opportunity to serve in disasters should the need arise. See information below.

Any additional volunteer support will be required during the long-term recovery, rather than during the immediate response.
During times of crisis it is natural to feel an immediate, compelling urge to help – please wait until volunteer assistance is requested. With the extent of the devastation our country has experienced in recent months, we have been overwhelmed with offers of assistance to volunteer and to donate money, goods and services. We ask you to be patient while planning for the right help, at the right time and in the right place is coordinated.

Here's what’s happening on the ground now:

• We are grateful to the thousands of emergency service workers (such as our brave firefighters) who are responding and dedicating themselves to protecting our country. Their selflessness and commitment to ensuring the safety of others is nothing but extraordinary.
• Trained volunteers on the frontline are also working tirelessly to support the emergency services. An immeasurable contribution.
• Experienced volunteer-involving organisations are beginning recovery operations in areas where the danger has subsided.
• The crisis-ready, skilled and dedicated Australian Defence Force Reservists are also making a huge difference providing critical, coordinated on the ground support.

Here’s how you can support those impacted by the destructive fires:

• Many organisations already have a role and experience in disaster recovery, while others, particularly local volunteer organisations such as sporting and service groups, step forward at times of need to help their community. Consider volunteering for organisations in your local community that can and will help at times of disaster and need, particularly with long term recovery and rebuilding. Search opportunities now
• Your help will be needed when the immediate danger has past and affected individuals and communities are ready to ask for and receive assistance. By volunteering locally you strengthen your own, your community’s, and our nation’s connectedness, resilience, and disaster capability and preparedness.
• A variety of organisations are now supporting impacted individuals and communities on the ground with recovery. You may like to check their websites for information on volunteer opportunities and recruitment. These organisations vary from state to state, and at this time they may not be in a position to get back to you immediately – please be patient and understanding. Many have a role in longer term recovery and need the help of volunteers to deliver these important services. Examples of organisations are, but are not limited to:
  • Red Cross
  • Salvation Army
  • St Vincent de Paul
  • UnitingCare (Lifeline)
  • BlazeAid
  • Team Rubicon Australia
  • Samaritan’s Purse
  • Conversation Volunteers Australia
  • ADRA
  • Rotary
  • Lions
  • Save the Children
  • St John Ambulance
  • Foodbank
  • RSPCA
  • Australian Koala Foundation
  • WIRES
  • GIVIT
• Refer to trusted sources, including local councils and formally recognised emergency services agencies. Their websites and social media provide essential, up-to-date information on the disaster situation and when, where and what help is needed.
• Donate money to a national, state or local authorised, recognised disaster support agency. These vary from state to state.
• If you wish to pledge donation of goods, you can see what’s needed on the Givit website.

What Volunteering Queensland is doing to help:

• Communicating with all potential volunteers from across the country and internationally.
• Liaising with other state/territory peak volunteering bodies and Volunteering Australia to share consistent communications and promoting a national approach to the volunteer response.
• Our staff working to support the NSW Government with their volunteer management strategy.

Please note
Emergency Volunteering is an initiative of Volunteering Queensland. As you are from a state outside of Queensland, we would like to forward your registration details on to your local State/ Territory peak body for volunteering. This will enable you to receive the latest emergency updates from them and for potential matching to local recovery volunteering opportunities. If you have any concerns with this, please let us know.

Thank you
We are grateful for your concern and offers to help those currently experiencing displacement, loss and pain. Their safety and well-being comes first and a coordinated response best serves their immediate and longer-term needs. Please be patient and understanding if your offers of assistance are not immediately accepted. Stop and listen to trusted sources. They will let you know when, what and where help is needed.
Rest assured, we will contact you if our Emergency Volunteering service is activated and your help is needed.
Kind regards,
Emergency Volunteering
Volunteering Queensland
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