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.

Three of our awesome HOPEww Australia representatives and volunteers Robyn, Louise and Ricaredo were in PNG November 2019! On Thursday they visited the 9 Mile & Lawes Road Health Clinics and had a very productive time with the administrators and nurses.​