Greetings to the Riceville Baptist Church family,


I pray that you are doing well in this time of the pandemic. On behalf of Pastor McFadden, I would like to shed some light on the COVID-19 virus and some precautionary measures that you can take in order to stay as safe as possible.

Hygiene: Practicing good hygiene is very important. Washing your hands as often as possible with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can keep germs down. Use hand sanitizer when washing your hands isn’t an option at the time. Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for hand washing. Wipe down your car steering wheel, door handles etc., with bleach or Lysol wipes if you have to go out. Be mindful of touching your face, nose, mouth and eyes as this is how the virus is spread. Wearing gloves is not recommended as washing your hands is the best practice.

Masks : Wear a surgical mask or cloth mask when you go out. Some protection is better than no protection. Try to avoid constantly touching the mask as this can spread infection as well. Do not wear a N95 mask for long periods of time if you have one. This can cause CO2 retention, which is called hypercapnia (too much carbon dioxide in your bloodstream). Wash your cloth mask in hot water especially if it begins to become soiled.

Mortality Rate High in African Americans : If you begin to have some symptoms of COVID-19, please be responsible and take the necessary measures. First, self isolate and sanitize your area as often as possible. If you begin to feel extremely fatigued and short of breath, DO NOT LAY DOWN and do not ignore the signs. Laying down will cause your lungs to fill with fluid and possibly cause blood clots in the lungs which can lead to a difficult recovery or even result to death.

Call your physician ASAP for the best plan of action. There are many symptoms associated with COVID-19 but most of them can be treated at home while isolating.

Symptoms: If you experience any of the following symptoms, it does not necessarily warrant COVID-19 but it is better to be safe than sorry, and if at all possible, get tested. Here are some of the main symptoms to look out for...

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficultly breathing
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of taste or smell

Boost Your Immune System: You can begin taking supplements to boost your immune system such as Zinc, high doses of vitamin C, and vitamin D3. Try your best to eat more fruits and vegetables as well.

Home Remedies: If you have any symptoms, you can begin these home remedies to minimize the symptoms.

  • Avoid drinking cold fluids.
  • Take Tylenol to control the fever
  • Do deep breathing exercises to help prevent pneumonia
  • Exercise
  • Mix ginger, lemon, turmeric, honey, garlic and black pepper in hot water and dink several times throughout the day. You can also add a tea bag to this concoction as well.
  • Rest but do not stay in bed all day
  • Gargle with warm water, mixed with Apple Cider Vinegar and garlic for sore throat

Being Responsible: Please be responsible and considerate of others. If you are feeling sick in any way, try to avoid going out. You may infect someone with a weakened immune system and put others at risk. Also remember, you can be Asymptomatic (showing no signs or symptoms) and still be positive with the virus. If you have been in contact with someone that has the virus or suspected of having the virus, do not put others at risk. Stay at hom

Because this virus is new and no one has all the exact answers, I pray that I have given you some valuable information to keep in mind. The best thing we can do is continue to pray and ask God for His covering grace of protection, Psalm 91. Blessings to you, family and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Qimberly D. Jones, RN-BSN
COVID Crisis Registered Nurse