• Coronavirus Prevention

    Steps to Prevent Illness


    There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).


    The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.


    The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

    These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

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    **Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.**


    Take steps to protect yourself

    Clean your hands often

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.


    Avoid close contact


    Take steps to protect others

    Stay home if you’re sick


    Cover coughs and sneezes

    • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
    • Throw used tissues in the trash.
    • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.


    Wear a facemask if you are sick

    • If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
    • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.


    Clean and disinfect

    • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
    • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.


    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fprevention-treatment.html

    1.  — Edited

      His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.

      We often desire to stay strong through our struggles in life. The belief that God is looking down on us and expecting that we not flinch when struggles come our way. However, such an outlook does not line up with reality nor the context of Jesus' teachings. Fear was not something we should train ourselves to avoid. Instead, we find comfort and strength during moments of fear in the presence of God.


      In Matthew 10:29-31 and Luke 16:6-7, Jesus tells his disciples, "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" Lk 12:6–7. In each text, Jesus was giving hope, comfort, and strength to his disciples as they faced persecution for preaching the gospel. He challenged them to rely on God in moments of fear. N. T. Wright stated, "You are worth more than a great many sparrows; so rest assured that God knows and cares about the details of your life, even as you face the temptations and dangers which so easily surround you. Followers of Jesus are bound to expect attacks at all levels. But they should also learn that the one they are serving is stronger than the strongest opponent they will ever meet." Tom Wright, Matthew for Everyone, Part 1: Chapters 1-15 (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004), 120.


      Civilla D. Martin once visited a friend, Mrs. Doolittle, in the spring of 1904. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for twenty years and her husband was an incurable cripple. Civilla's husband asked why they were so hopeful in spite of their circumstances. Mrs. Doolittle responded, "His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me." Before the day was over, Civilla had written the poem 'His Eye is on the Sparrow.' The next day she sent it of to composer Charles H. Gabriel. Thus was born the hymn 'His Eye is on the Sparrow.'


      I hope that you maintain a joyful hope in this midst of your struggles knowing that God has His eye on you!!


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H74FBgOZTDw


      Verse 1: Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart be lonely and long for Heav’n and home, when Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

       

      Verse 2: “Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, and resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; tho’ by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know we watches me.


      Verse 3: Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, when songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him; from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.


      Refrain: I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, for His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.


      Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1996), 143.