Press Statements & Articles

[NECF] How to handle the Covid-19 Outbreak

How to handle the Covid-19 Outbreak

Dear Pastors, Elders and Church Leaders,

In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, NECF would like to share two separate guidelines to our member churches for consideration. These are in line with Government guidelines and other best practices.

One is for the congregation at large whilst the other is for church staff and workers.
 
Congregation at Large

  • In love and concern for each other, the church requests that the congregation members observe the following:
  • Those who have travelled to China are encouraged to observe a self-imposed quarantine of 14 days, 
  • Those who have been in close contact with infected persons are encouraged to seek guidance from your respective Human Resource Department, and to work at home if advised to do so. A similar leave of absence of 14 days is also encouraged.
  • Those exhibiting symptoms of flu, fever, or cough with breathing difficulty, headache or body aches should seek immediate medical treatment and stay home as advised by doctors.
  • Wash your hands regularly. 
  • Whilst in church, minimize bodily contact with each other for this season, including but not limited to shaking of hands.
  • Prayer at altar calls will be limited to group prayers. 
  • Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Tissues should be thrown out into rubbish bins and hands immediately washed or sanitized.
  •  Face masks and hand sanitizers should be available during services. 

Church Staff and Workers

  • Please make available face masks and hand sanitizers in common areas (subject to available stock). 
  • All equipment should be sanitized after use.
  • Use paper towels instead of cloth towels in toilets. All wash basins should have hand wash liquid/soap.
  • All toilet and cafeteria facilities should be cleaned regularly with disinfectants
  • Ensure all meeting halls are well ventilated and floors moped with disinfectants. 
  • All personnel handling the Holy Communion should wash their hands before preparing it.

In future the following may be necessary, if the current epidemic worsens:

  • Temperature/health check services be provided at the service venues, wherever possible.
  • To advise anyone with symptoms such as fever, cough or runny nose to go home and rest as well as to seek medical attention. If the temperature recorded is higher than 37.5°C, members should be advised to avoid attending public events, including cell meetings, and Sunday services.
  • The use of infrared thermometers may be necessary to implement the above.
  • All ushers and workers serving food and the Holy Communion would be required to wear face masks.

Our Sunday services and ministry activities should continue as usual in the meantime. We shall seek to monitor the current situation, and should it be necessary, churches may have to prepare to live stream their services.

Meanwhile, we remain hopeful in the Lord. All must be encouraged to return to the house of prayer as we seek to be a good testimony by walking in faith rather than fear.
 
May our good Lord’s hand be upon all of you.
 

NECF MALAYSIA



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