Swine Flu (H1N1 Flu) Precautions.

 

So, in order to prevent unnecessary panic, I'd like to offer the following suggestions about how we might react to the growing threat of Swine Flu at Center Congregational Church.

 

1. For the time being, and unless otherwise ordered by the Connecticut and Meriden Departments of Health, all activities, programs and worship will continue as scheduled.

 

2. It has not yet been determined how virulent this particular strain of influenza is, so the CDC and the Connecticut Department of Health are recommending standard safety procedures for any flu outbreak.

 

3. Hand washing is most important. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers will kill this virus, if used properly. Sanitizer will be available at several locations at church. Face masks are thought to be ineffective, since most face masks are not fine enough to filter out the virus.

 

4. Symptoms of this influenza are the same as any other influenza including high fever, chills, sweating, and significant body aches.

 

5. IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE FLU, PLEASE STAY HOME. Repeat. IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE FLU, PLEASE STAY HOME. This is important...it is thought that this flu is transmitted relatively easily from person to person.

 

6. Should there be a significant outbreak of this flu in the Meriden area, the City of Meriden and the State of Connecticut will notify us and we will make a decision about continuing programs and other events at the church.

 

7. Please do not panic. You cannot get this flu by eating pork. Sniffles and spring allergies are not the flu...if you do not have a high fever and body aches, you do not have the flu!

 

8. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me or the Meriden Health Department.

 

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

 

-Pastor Jim