Until further notice, our current operations will be as follows:

Sunday Morning Services will resume on Sunday, June 7^th, 2020 at 11:00 AM.
Sunday School, Junior Church & Nursery will still remain canceled.
Sunday Evening & Wednesday Evening Services will still remain canceled, and Virtual Services will still be recorded / Live Streamed and uploaded to Facebook and YouTube for those service times.
All other activities (i.e. Youth Group, Ladies Fellowship, Etc.) will also remain canceled.

We will also be making the following changes:

Only the front doors are to be used for entering and exiting the church building.
1. The Multi-Purpose Building and Classrooms will be closed off in an effort to save time and resources on cleaning and sanitizing, as occupied areas will be sanitized after every service.
2. The front doors will be propped open before and after services. (Weather permitting.)
Paper Bulletins will NOT be printed and passed out.
1. All announcements will be displayed on the monitors, and read aloud to the congregation.
Offering and tithing plates will not be passed around during services.
1. Please place your tithes and offerings in the offering plates before or after the service. (Offering Plate locations may vary, please ask if you are unsure.)
Hymnals will not be in the pews, and please bring and take your bibles with you.
The drinking fountains will be shut off.
1. Bottled water will be available in the foyer, if needed.
Hand Sanitizer will be available, please use as necessary.

For the Health and Safety of others:

Please avoid all physical contact with non-household family members.
1. This includes handshaking, hugs, fist bumps, elbow bumps, etc.
Please, as best as possible, maintain at least 6 feet of distance from non-household family members.
Masks are optional. (If we are able to find any to purchase, they will be available in the foyer.)
If you, or someone you have been in contact with has had the following symptoms in the last 14 days:
1. Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fever, Chills, Muscle pain, Sore throat, New loss of taste or smell, Etc., Please do not attend in-person services for at least 14 consecutive days after exposure or symptoms end.
We encourage anyone who,
1. May be fearful to attend,
2. Has existing health issues,
3. Is immunocompromised,
4. or has (or has been exposed to) any of the symptoms listed above,

please stay home and watch the services Live on Facebook or YouTube.

As aforementioned in all previous memos, the Church Leadership will keep monitoring the pandemic and remain in contact with the Ohio Department of Health and the Licking County Health Department. If there are changes or updates to our operations or response protocol, Members will be advised via Phone call, Email, Text, Social Media and the Church Website.

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please see Steven Hughes or email steve@nfwbchurch.org or call the church at (740) 344-4292.

Current COVID-19 Response Protocol Statement:

Symptoms of Coronavirus

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

Watch for symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

Person perspiring and thermometer indicating person has a fever

person holding a cloth and coughing into the cloth

image depicting lungs with restricted air representing shortness of breath

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

How COVID-19 Spreads

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
Maintaining good social distance (about 6 feet) is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus. CDC recommends people practice frequent “hand hygiene,” which is either washing hands with soap or water or using an alcohol-based hand rub. CDC also recommends routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious, like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, which means it goes from person-to-person without stopping.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably between people.
Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggest that this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious.

COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person in respiratory droplets from someone who is infected. People who are infected often have symptoms of illness. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.

How to Protect Yourself & Others

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19 illness. More information on Are you at higher risk for serious illness?

Know How it Spreads

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

More details: How COVID-19 Spreads

Everyone Should

Illustration: washing hands with soap and water

Clean your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Illustration: Woman quarantined to her home

Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home as much as possible.pdf iconexternal icon
Put distance between yourself and other people.

- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.

- Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

woman covering their mouth when coughing

Cover coughs and sneezes

If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

Diluting your household bleach.
To make a bleach solution, mix:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
  OR
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Alcohol solutions.
Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.

Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation

Keep Your Distance to Slow the Spread

Limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

What is social distancing?

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:

Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people
Do not gather in groups
Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

In addition to everyday steps to prevent COVID-19, keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the country and world.

When COVID-19 is spreading in your area, everyone should limit close contact with individuals outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you have no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Why practice social distancing?

COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface, depending on factors such as sun light and humidity. Social distancing helps limit contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces.

Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community.

Tips for social distancing

Follow guidance from authorities where you live.
If you need to shop for food or medicine at the grocery store or pharmacy, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Use mail-order for medications, if possible.
- Consider a grocery delivery service.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, including when you have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store.
  - Stay at least 6 feet between yourself and others, even when you wear a face covering.

Avoid large and small gatherings in private places and public spaces, such a friend’s house, parks, restaurants, shops, or any other place. This advice applies to people of any age, including teens and younger adults. Children should not have in-person playdates while school is out. To help maintain social connections while social distancing, learn tips to keep children healthy while school’s out.
Work from home when possible.
If possible, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.
If you are a student or parent, talk to your school about options for digital/distance learning.

Stay connected while staying away. It is very important to stay in touch with friends and family that don’t live in your home. Call, video chat, or stay connected using social media. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can be difficult. Read tips for stress and coping.

What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?

Quarantine

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Someone in self-quarantine stays separated from others, and they limit movement outside of their home or current place. A person may have been exposed to the virus without knowing it (for example, when traveling or out in the community), or they could have the virus without feeling symptoms. Quarantine helps limit further spread of COVID-19.

Isolation

Isolation is used to separate sick people from healthy people. People who are in isolation should stay home. In the home, anyone sick should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick” bedroom or space and using a different bathroom (if possible).

What should I do if I might have been exposed? If I feel sick? Or have confirmed COVID-19?

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, read about symptoms.

If you or someone in your home might have been exposed

Self-Monitor

Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever,* cough, or shortness of breath.

Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
Practice social distancing. Maintain 6 feet of distance from others, and stay out of crowded places.
Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.

If you feel healthy but:

Recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19, or
Recently traveled from somewhere with active spread – within or outside the U.S.

Self-Quarantine

Check your temperature twice a day and watch for symptoms.
Stay home for 14 days and self-monitor.
If possible, stay away from people who are high-risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.

If you:

Have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or
Are waiting for test results, or
Have symptoms such as cough, fever, or shortness of breath

Self-Isolate

Stay in a specific “sick room” or area and away from other people. If possible, use a separate bathroom.
Read important information about caring for yourself or someone else who is sick.

Page Last Updated: Monday, May 25th, 2020

To view our Virtual Services
being released during the pandemic: Click Here