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Regarding swine flu & public health

Beal Heights Presbyterian Church
26 April 2009
(updated 5 August 200)
From the Session

Regarding swine flu & public health

* The elders at BHPC are monitoring governmental public health recommendations for the current swine flu outbreak. We are praying that the Lord's mercies will spare us from great harm, and give us the grace to live as those whose goal is to glorify the Lord Jesus in this matter.
* In the event that governmental public health authorities recommend that public gatherings be curtailed due to health, the elders will take such input under serious consideration. It is likely that if such recommendation is made, all activities at the church other than the gathered public worship services would be curtailed.
* In the event that competent civil authorities order the limitation or banning of public gatherings due to health risks, the elders will comply with all lawful orders.

If you are showing symptoms of any type of flu

* The elders ask that if you have any of the following symptoms that you do not attend public gatherings at the church (Sunday school, worship services, prayer meeting, fellowship meals, outreach events, other meetings):

fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

* If you stay away because of illness, please let the elder assigned to your pastoral care group know.
* If you have had such symptoms the CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

* We also ask the congregation to be extra vigilant in hand-washing and in coughing and sneezing. If you cough or sneeze, please do so into a tissue or handkerchief, and immediately throw away the tissue.

If cancellation of public gatherings at BHPC is necessary

* If the elders believe it is necessary to cancel public gatherings at the church or are issued orders to do so by civil authorities, we will notify the congregation by email, text message, telephoning of each elder's pastoral care group, putting notice on the church's web site at www.bealheights.org, and by giving notice of the closing to KSWO-TV.
* The elders will try to have ways of meeting via the internet for the congregation, as well as maintaining telephone contact with its members. If ministry to shut-ins and to other members who are ill is needed, the elders will assess the needs along with the congregation's diaconal assistants and provide help as resources and the public health situation will allow.