Local Churches
How Churches Can Prepare
Churches are in a special position to be a positive force in response to a bird flu pandemic. Many congregations address the needs of their communities and people still turn to the church in times of crisis, seeking meaning, peace and healing. However, being gathering places, churches are at risk for the devastating effects of a pandemic and need to prepare their facilities and adapt ministries in order to make their best contribution and avoid spreading the virus.
- Start preparing without creating panic. The official Monitors of bird flu will let the public know when to move into isolation or social distancing phases and essential services will be prepared.
- Checklists for church-based organizations The government web site http://www.pandemicflu.gov has checklists for churches to adapt and follow, as well as excellent practical practical information and a section for Frequently Asked Questions.
IN THIS SECTION
Fear
Fear can be more dangerous than a disease itself. It is not a simple matter to deal with but an essential and spiritual one.
Pastoral Care Considerations
Routine pastoral care procedures should adapt to the need to practice measures for effective prevention of disease spread.
- Take only Bible portions and prayers that can be printed out and left with the patient
- Use masks and gloves when visiting infected members at home
- Consider how best to give pastoral care to those who are quarantined
- Pastors should expect to perform more funerals in the case of a bird flu epidemic. Pastors should also seek support and practice self-care to be emotionally equipped to deal with the personal toll these deaths will have for persons in ministry
- Outdoor worship may be more viable than indoor
Worship and Community Gathering Considerations
Consider how your community and worship practices can be changed to reduce virus transmission.
- Careful frequent hand washing; no spitting; covered coughing or sneezing
- Choose an alternative loving greeting to shaking hands, hugging and kissing
- Discourage the passing of offering plates, attendance registers, and other items
- Plan an alternative way of sharing Communion that limits physical contact
- Provide ample soap, hand sanitizer, tissues, trash receptacles, and regular trash disposal
- Use gloves and masks when emptying trashcans with used tissues
- Close water fountains
- Avoid worship, community work and school when sick
- When necessary, close the nursery, nursery school, day care and children's Sunday school
- Sanitize toys and nursery equipment regularly
Restricted Movement
Once there is evidence (according to the World Health Organization's monitoring system) of actual and increased human-to-human transmission of bird flu, and the WHO moves into Phase 4 of its global risk monitoring, governments and then local government will take containment measures.
- Border control. Be concerned for your Volunteer in Mission teams and missionaries
- Enforcement of quarantines
- Isolation of the sick
- Limitation or suspension of public gatherings, meetings, and public transport in certain areas
- In the worst-case scenario, there would be great pressure on essential services, business and social disruption, significant economic impact and even some breakdown of law and order as basic commodities become difficult to purchase
Employee Absenteeism
An organization should expect absenteeism levels to be between 20% and 60% for two to four weeks at the height of each pandemic wave. There are several reasons for this:
- Employees may be ill themselves. In past pandemics the infection reached 25-35% of the population. Mortality rate depends on the virulence of the virus
- Employees may be healthy but have become care givers
- They may have been away and refused re-entry to the area or not be able to leave their own area due to a quarantine
Demand on Health Care Services
In the event of a major outbreak, health services will be overtaxed at every level. Care may need to move into the community and be done by family, community and church members. Church facilities may become information, admission or treatment centers.
Keep Informed and Communicate
- Locate good sources of information on bird flu (nationally and locally) so that you can tell fact from myth. These resources will get you started.
- Know the local radio and TV stations that will broadcast updates on the situation
- Follow global, national and local warning systems and be ready to respond
- Network with other local churches and organizationsfor the care of the community
- Know what resources are available: experts, volunteers, supplies and information
- Hold planning and educational seminars for staff, congregation and community members in cooperation with other networking organizations
- Communicate organizational decisions
Care for Church and Extended Ministry Staff
- Update all Contact Information: Telephone, email, home address, next-of-kin
- Review Leave policies because of the anticipated high levels of absenteeism
- Review Health, Disability and Life Insurance to ensure that contracted providers can assist with care in this event
- Know how much crisis support the church can give to employees
Create a Cross-Functional Church Leadership Team
The church leadership may become ill so the formation of a cross-functional team with decision-making power is important. They should work on the premise that normal church activities and ministerial duties may change for a long period and that even the role of their building may be transformed.
- Train church members so that they can do pastoral work in places the pastor cannot access
- Investigate the very best telephone plan for the pastor and leadership team and advise everyone about it
- Decide on the critical tasks that the church can commit to in such a crisis
Plan for Social Distancing
Social distancing may become necessary to protect people from exposure. Some strategies are the following:
- Telephone calls instead of face-to-face pastoral visits
- Small home group gatherings/meetings on Sundays and midweek
- Avoid public transport at peak hours
- Expect colleagues with symptoms to work from home
- Consider and plan for the church's budget and cash flow if regular ministry is cancelled
Institute Quarantine Policies
The virus may be brought into the church by anyone. They may need to be isolated, require immediate care and or be transported to a quarantine or treatment area. Masks are a consideration especially in crowded areas and also because they may stop people from touching their faces but may not be that effective
Stockpile Emergency Supplies
Ensure that there are long shelf life food stocks at the work place: over the counter medications for fever relief and symptomatic relief of flu.
