Dear Members, Families and Friends of Christ Covenant and Covenant Day School:
You are almost certainly aware of the daily news reports related to the COVID-19 form of coronavirus that was first identified in Wuhan, China in December.
You may have questions about our practices and policies related to this challenge. We want you to have the information you need to remain confident that we are carefully following recommended guidelines for the protection of our church and school community. We hope this will also be helpful in guiding your own practices.
As of March 4, there are no known cases of COVID-19 within our communities or among the counties in our region. The single announced case in North Carolina is directly connected to the long-term care facility in the state of Washington where several residents became ill.
Currently China, Korea, Iran and Italy are reporting significant numbers of COVID-19. The State Department is recommending that travel to these countries be avoided and travel from these countries to the US is now restricted. If you or someone in your family or among your friends or close associates has been in contact with a person who has traveled from one of these countries we ask you to self-quarantine and avoid services or visits to our campus for 14 days after your latest contact. Health authorities tell us this is an essential practice for protection against the spread of this virus.
Our church’s short-term missions trip to Greece will go on as planned unless the State Department or the CDCP issues a different travel advisory or any new restrictions. We assess this status each day as we gather new information. Pray for God’s wisdom in our decision making. Please pray, too, for our ministry partners in high risk areas on every continent and our own staff and members whose work in ministry requires significant international travel.
Every recommendation from the health authorities includes this reminder that the single most important action that each of us must take to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 or other contagions like the flu is an emphasis on taking care of ourselves and the people around us with the basics:
- Thoroughly washing our hands with soap and hot water throughout the day;
- Using hand sanitizer after pumping gas or leaving a store;
- Coughing or sneezing into the elbow;
- Not sharing cups or combs and staying home when you have a fever or don’t feel well.
We want to add a final recommendation. Pray that we would ask God to show us how to glorify Him as we walk by faith while some around us may be overtaken by fear. Pray we will love our neighbors enough to pray for their spiritual health as well as their physical well-being.
Expect us to update you as conditions change or additional control measures may be recommended.
Trusting Christ,
Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor
Mark Davis, Head of School at Covenant Day School
