Coronavirus update - 12 March

By Andy O'Connell, for the Covid team

Hands being washed under tap

Tuesday 17 March: We are examining the latest advice from the Government and Public Health England and will update this page as soon as possible.

Along with other organisations, OCC staff have been keeping a close eye on the emerging international situation with coronavirus. We monitor advice provided by Public Health England (PHE), and church-specific advice published by the Church of England and by Evangelical Alliance. Apparently, one Church of England vicar is a former Deputy Chief Medical Officer, so her advice is both expert medical and pastoral!

PHE rightly highlight the need to "balance the effectiveness of any actions against their impact on society", and we want to be sensible - concerned for the 'common good' of our community and society, just as we read recently in 1 Corinthians 13 - while acting with faith, and caring for those affected.

We don't want to be over-anxious; rather, we want to be those who bring faith, hope, and love into our workplaces and communities. If you're fearful, ask someone in your Community (or on a Sunday) to pray with you. If 24-hour news or hysteria on social media is fuelling your fear, then you should significantly reduce (or stop) consuming it!

We underline PHE's encouragement of regular handwashing and appropriate soaps and sanitisers. Apparently, the specifics of the virus make it especially susceptible to soap and alcohol, so handwashing, while always good practice, is particular effective for this virus!

We underline PHE's guidance that people should self-isolate and refer to 111 if they feel unwell with flu-like symptoms. PHE are saying that a person is not contagious until they exhibit symptoms, so if we develop those symptoms and self-isolate quickly, we can most help our church community and wider community by not aiding the spread of the virus!

However, where people need to self-isolate, we don't want them to feel totally isolated from others, so let's make sure we look out for those in our church - and our neighbours - and help them with shopping, conversation, prayer, and care. If you need to self-isolate, please do let someone know (from your missional community, or tell the church office) so we can be aware. It may be possible for us to stream our Sunday gatherings, as a service to those who are unable to leave their homes.

If the virus becomes more widespread, we will consider how we adapt our communion practice to minimise the spread of the virus, and respond to any further advice on church gatherings.

If you have any concerns, please contact the church office.