COVID-19 Virus

A number of you have been inquiring about the COVID-19 virus and its impact at SJN. First, our prayers go out to those affected by the virus. Here is some helpful information directly from the Center for Disease Control website (as of 3/3/20), and some information about what we are doing here at SJN.
 

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Current Risk Assessment:

• For the general American public who are unlikely to be exposed to the virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.
• People in communities where ongoing community spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 has been reported are at elevated though still relatively low risk of exposure.

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Prevention

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. 
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

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Here at SJN

Especially now that we have positive cases of the Coronavirus confirmed within our region, we have decided to implement the recommendations sent to us by the Archdiocese of Washington. The following precautions have been implemented:.  
 

• Hand Sanitizers have been placed at the entrance to the Church for everyone’s use.
• Please don’t come to mass if you are sick. You are dispensed from your obligation if you are ill.
• There will be no sign of peace at Mass 
• The Precious Blood will cease to be distributed 
• Holy Water has been removed from the Holy Water fonts
• Priests, Deacons and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist (EMHC) will practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands before the distribution of Holy Communion (and afterwards).
• It is also strongly recommended: 
  • To receive the Holy Eucharist only in your hands instead of on the tongue to mitigate any transmission of saliva
  • To Refrain from holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer

Thank you and please keep all affected by the virus, as well as their families, in prayer.