As we continue to face this health pandemic challenges, we want everyone to know that Haitian Bethany Baptist Church takes into account your safety and well-being. Because of that, we are complying with our local government to temporarily suspend all public gatherings. Meaning we will suspend Sunday worship services, bible study, prayer meetings, ministries, and all other activities. We will make the transition to move our church services online. You can take part in Sunday service and bible study by joining the Livestream or the teleconference line. The phone number for the teleconference line is (339) 209-6901.  All services will be available on the church website, YouTube channel, Facebook, and audio via teleconference. 

We have many of our church members working in hospitals, nursing homes or in the health care fields. They are on the front lines working to mitigate the impact of this virus and other members that are serving daily in various capacities. Let’s keep everyone in prayers and know that God is with you and protecting you.  God is in control as we continue to pray for mercy and for the nation. We encourage everyone to exercise good health practices, take the necessary precautions, and stay informed. Because of this, we are providing the guidelines that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are asking everyone to be aware of and to follow.

 

Watch for symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).

• Fever

• Cough

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Trouble breathing

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion or inability to arouse

• Bluish lips or face

• Shortness of breath

*This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

 

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.

• Handwashing can help prevent illness. It involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except for the germs.

• 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

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for

   

Take steps to protect others

Stay home if you’re sick

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. 

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.

To disinfect:
The most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

• Diluting your household bleach.

  To make a bleach solution, mix:

• 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water

  OR

• 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

• Alcohol solutions.

  Ensure the solution has at least 70% alcohol.

• Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.

  Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

 

 

****Psalm 46 reminds us that, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”