Please read this important message from Linda Weaver, TPUUF President
“In the last 2 days numerous cases of presumptively positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Montgomery county, some in the immediate area of Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Today, Gov. Wolf ordered all schools closed for the next 2 weeks in Montgomery County. He also asked religious leaders to use their discretion to limit the spread of the coronavirus. After consulting with Rev. Peers, in the interest of the welfare of our faith community and our surrounding neighbors, we are closing for the next 2 weeks. We are closed to any outside groups and activities as well. “
We will update you periodically . We assume our services will continue on March 29th. So check this email from Thomas Paine UU Fellowship. We’ll also be offering a few opportunities to “gather” on-line at other times.
Take Care of Yourself and Others
During this time, we ask that you take precautions to keep yourself and any family members safe. We include the following advice drawn from guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC):
Stay home if sick
Everyone should stay home (and/or seek medical attention) if they are ill or they have any flu or cold-like symptoms until at least 24 hours after fever and symptoms are gone. We care not only for ourselves this way; we care for those with whom we would have come into contact, especially those whose immune systems put them at higher risk. If you have a compromised immune system, we urge you to stay home.
Practice hygiene precautions:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (disposing of them frequently), or cough/sneeze into your sleeve elbow. The virus is believed to primarily be spread through particles from coughing and sneezing entering the air.
- Wash hands often, for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer.
- Use a hand sanitizer if you are not able to wash your hands..
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as much as possible.
- Do a light fist bump, elbow bump or a simple bow of the head instead of
- shaking hands or hugging.
- Avoid sharing utensils, cups, towels, and other items, and wash these items thoroughly.
- The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask to protect from the virus but does recommend facemasks for people who are infected.
- Disinfect surfaces that people touch, such as doorknobs, light switches, metal surfaces that people touch, etc.
General Self-Care:
Also, get lots of sleep, manage stress, drink fluids and eat healthy foods, and maintain the physical and spiritual practices that keep you feeling healthy.
Check-in with elderly and infirm friends and neighbors:
Without putting yourself at risk, call, or email to check in with elderly and sick friends and neighbors. Think about how you can stay connected with others during this time to offer support and to share concerns.
If you are a community member in need of support at this time, let us know what you need. If you become quarantined with the virus, other members may be able to help shop or bring other resources to you. Remember when stocking up on food to also stock up on medicines and fill all your refills. It is our hope to support our members as much as we can through this time.
Read your email:
We will communicate plans with our church community through our Webvine, email, Facebook page, and outgoing voicemail messages. As TPUUF proceeds during this time, we will be guided by the advice of local and state officials.