Local churches taking precautions for coronavirus

MADISON – Coronavirus has everyone taking precautions. School districts in the state are preparing in case schools close, stores are struggling to restock supplies that are in high demand right now, and major events are being canceled. Alabama does not have a case of coronavirus yet, but health officials say it’s just a matter of time before that changes.

Area churches are also taking precautions. CrossPointe Church pastor John Dees sent an email to its congregation Tuesday detailing some of the steps the church is taking to make worship coronavirus free.

“We will temporarily skip our greeting time during Sunday services,” Dees said. “We also recommend that a friendly wave and a smile substitute for all handshaking, fist bumps, etc. As with any illness, please be considerate and forgo church attendance if you are ill or within a window where a recent sickness may still be contagious to others.”

Dees added that the church will immediately begin streaming their Sunday services through their Facebook page.

“With this in place, even if CrossPointe is compelled to temporarily close, current worship music and messages will remain available through our streaming platforms,” Dees added.

Other churches are making similar actions and taking precautions.

Daystar Church, which has a congregation in Madison, said they are taking extra steps to ensure that high traffic areas are sanitized each Sunday morning.

“In addition to hand soap being available in all restrooms, we will have hand sanitizer throughout the lobbies,” read a statement from Daystar on Tuesday. “We plan on continuing our weekend services as per usual but are closely monitoring recommendations made by local, state, and national government agencies.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS:
• If you notice someone is sick or may not be feeling well, avoid close contact with them.
• If you yourself are not feeling well, stay home, rest, and recover. This includes your kiddos. If they have a fever, a cough, a runny nose, a sore throat   etc. please keep them home to rest.
• Be sure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing and/or sneezing.
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time using soap and warm water.
• If there is no soap/water available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
• Disinfect any belongings that you may bring from home with you to church (diaper bags, blankets, etc.)