Responding to coronavirus COVID-19
A letter from Bishop Charlie to our clergy, leaders and parishes as we face this new virus together.
Dear fellow ANiC clergy and leaders,
Grace and peace in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who upholds all the universe by the word of his power (Heb 1:3).
Likely we are all keenly aware there is great worldwide concern over the new coronavirus COVID-19. It is the leading story on most news outlets and a growing concern for many people in our cities and communities. Though the risk level to Canadians and Americans is still currently assessed as low, and recovery rates are high, we have had a small number of cases diagnosed in both countries and it is quite possible this number will increase.
As churches and a diocese, during a time such as this, I hope and pray we can be voices of comfort and hope as we preach the good news of King Jesus, our Saviour, and that we will be vigilant to do what we can to protect the safety and health of all our people.
With this in mind, I would ask that you prayerfully consider how to keep your congregation well informed about this issue and that we would use all reasonable measures to help prevent the risk of spreading COVID-19 or other viruses in our gatherings.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. They are most commonly spread from an infected person through:
respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze
close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands
These are recommended ways they suggest to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19:
wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
stay home if you are sick
when coughing or sneezing:
cover your mouth and nose with your arm or tissues to reduce the spread of germs
immediately dispose of any tissues you have used into the garbage as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards
avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick
Specifically in regards to our worship services, I would ask that you:
Ensure all those administering communion are not showing symptoms of illness.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer just before administering the elements.
Discourage the practice of intinction (dipping the bread in the wine), which has been found to present a higher risk of spreading contagion.
For Anglicans receiving both the bread and the wine is important. Having said that, at this time, anyone who has health concerns should receive the bread only.
Similarly, while the common cup is extremely important to us, at this time, in some communities, individual cups would be advisable.
Passing the Peace is problematic if it involves hand to hand contact. Again, at this time, a simple greeting without hand to hand contact is better. It may be Passing the Peace should be suspended during this time.
Encourage parishioners to feel quite justified in staying home if they are ill.
According to the PHAC symptoms of the coronavirus COVID-19 are similar to many other flu viruses and can include fever, cough, difficulty breathing and pneumonia. The symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear after exposure. It may be important to note that COVID-19 is different from flu viruses and so the flu vaccine (flu shot) will not protect people from it.
To keep up to date with developments and directives regarding the virus I'd recommend regularly checking the Public Health Agency of Canada website and the U.S. CDC website and any information from your regional public health unit.
If, in the future, there are further directives from health authorities I would ask you to be quick to comply. And if you have any further questions around the administration of communion or the passing of the peace please call or email our ANiC office and we will try to assist you.
Friends, we are confident in the goodness and care of our loving Heavenly Father at all times and in all circumstances. And so, without a spirit of fear, we desire to be aware and wise and vigilant in stewarding the responsibilities we've been given as leaders. So let us work together to do all we can to provide safe and welcoming places for people to come and gather and worship and be discipled.
And would you pray with me? Join me in praying for all those worldwide who have already been touched by this virus, that they might be healed and restored to health. Pray especially for the people of China and Iran and Italy, where the outbreaks are most widespread. Let us pray that God would give all medical and governmental authorities wisdom as they face this challenge; and that the spread of this virus would be stopped.
Thank you, dear friends, for taking this issue seriously and prayerfully. Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might (Eph 6:10), keep alert with all perseverance(v18), and may the grace and peace, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ(v23) be with you now and always.
Yours in Him,
+Charlie
The Right Reverend Charlie Masters
Diocesan Bishop of the Anglican Network in Canada