HOPE worldwide Global Disaster Update – Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

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
[email protected]
Charles Ham, Global Disaster Advisor 
[email protected]
Paul Frugé II, Sr Director, Communications
[email protected]

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.