From Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons:
On my trip to the local superstore I caught myself noticing every cough. One person didn’t cover when they sneezed onto the freezer door. “Great, now I can’t buy ice cream for two weeks,” I thought to myself. Okay, I admit it. I’ve had a difficult time knowing when to fist bump, elbow touch, shake a hand extended to me, or accept a hug during my visits to our churches these last couple of weeks. It’s just plain hard to maintain a calm, non-anxious presence these days. And so I’ve found myself often needing to intentionally take a deep breath and let it out, take another deep breath and let it out, in order to remind myself to “cast all your anxiety on God because God cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Perspective has also helped me reduce my anxiety. The flu is a far more serious health risk in our communities than COVID-19 is at this moment. Thankfully the same precautions that stop COVID-19 from spreading also will help stop the spread of the flu virus.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. That’s the time it takes to sing ”Happy Birthday” or the “Alphabet Song” or the Doxology. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
In the US the CDC estimates there have been:
34-49 million flu cases
350,000-620,000 flu hospitalizations
20,000-50,000 flu deaths between October 1, 2019 and February 29, 2020
To date in the US, the CDC reports:
Total COVID-19 cases: 605
Total deaths: 25
States reporting cases: 35 (includes District of Columbia)
Within the Southwest Conference public health officials report:
2 confirmed and 3 presumptive COVID-19 cases in Arizona
0 confirmed or presumptive COVID-19 cases in New Mexico
0 confirmed or presumptive COVID-19 cases in El Paso County, Texas
Yes, in the US COVID-19 has a 4% mortality rate, significantly higher than the flu. It is also true that all of the people who have died from COVID-19 also had underlying health conditions making their mortality risk from any illness significantly higher. I won’t downplay the significance of COVID-19’s pattern of impacting people over 60 much more seriously than people who are younger. And I am reminded daily that our congregations are full of people who are over 60, some of whom have underlying health concerns. I support and want to equip you for good decisions personally and as congregations for maintaining your health, and reducing your risk of flu, COVID-19, or any other illness.
That’s why last week all of our churches, our pastors, and our moderators received guidance on responding to the COVID-19 threat. We do well to find ways to be there for one another if we can be present with one another. Many of our congregations have modified communion practices, changed how they pass Christ’s peace, and are counseling people who are sick to stay home. These are necessary precautions that we hope will be temporary. I am monitoring the situation across the Southwest Conference daily.
While we prepare for the worst, we hope and we pray for the best and do all we can to maintain a balanced perspective and response. Let our faith give us confidence and strength to be a non-anxious presence in our neighborhoods and communities. And let’s keep giving our fears and anxiety to the God who cares for us. So again, I’m taking a deep breath in and letting it out slowly.
Bill
Rev. Dr. William M. Lyons
Conference Minister
Office: 602-468-3830
Direct: 602-317-2724