COVID-19 Information to help pastors and other faith-leaders.
This information is current as of 2:00 p.m. on March 16, 2020.
On March 14, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a Public Health Crisis for the state of Georgia. Later that morning, Gov. Kemp held a conference call with Georgia’s faith leaders. In his Press Release, Gov. Kemp said: “At this time, it is appropriate for faith-based organizations and similar entities to consider cancellation of public events and services.” In addition to listing what the Governor asked us to share with you, other helpful websites are below.
Here is what Gov. Kemp asked us to communicate to pastors:
- If you are willing, please suspend services and all church-related large gatherings. It is not a mandate, but a request. What we know is that large meetings, especially with elderly folks, have contributed to the spread.
- If you do have services, practice social distancing (no hugging, handshaking, or touching at all).
- If you do have services, ask people who feel even slightly sick to stay home. Individuals can be contagious without having any symptoms, or are only sightly sick. So, they can spread the disease without realizing it.
- Elderly and those with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable, so should be urged to stay home.
- If anyone in your congregation thinks they should be tested, direct them to contact their primary care physician. Unless there is no other option, avoid going to the Emergency Room.
Gov. Kemp asked for prayers for him and his staff. His office also asked faith leaders to check on elderly and others who may need assistance. I feel confident that the administrations of both Gov. Kemp and President Trump are acting in our best interests not only to prevent panic, but also to prevent overwhelming our healthcare system.
II Timothy 1:7 — “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
CDC website with CoronaVirus info: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Georgia Department of Public Heath COVID-19 Daily Status Report: https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report
Gov. Kemp Press Release: https://madmimi.com/p/4a54601
Video message from Gov. Kemp: https://gov.georgia.gov/news
Governor Kemp’s website: https://gov.georgia.gov/