BUV Advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

BUV 预防冠状病毒(COVID-19) 建议

Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Kongah BUV Thawngthanh

In view of the surge in the number of confirmed Covid-19 (Coronavirus) cases around the world, experts say that the likelihood of it spreading to Australia and within our communities is inevitable.

While the World Health Organisation is yet to escalate the nature of Covid-19 to a pandemic level, the Australia Government is taking necessary steps to prepare and plan for such a pandemic and has activated the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for COVID-19.

So, what can we do as a union of churches to be prepared to respond and keep our church community safe?

Until further notice, churches and congregation members should continue to go about normal daily life and travel, church, work or study as normal.  Churches and congregation members should already be following best-hygiene practices as detailed below. 

Personal Hygiene

  • Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer
  • Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow
  • Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication, ensure you have adequate supplies
  • Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do
  • Don't wear a face mask if you are well
  • Get the flu shot (available April).
  • See 10 ways to reduce your risk of Coronavirus 

Churches should be thinking about prevention and preparation strategies in case a Pandemic is announced. Check the BUV website or BUV Bulletin for further updates.

Prevention Ideas for Churches:

  • Download and share 10 ways to reduce your risk of Coronavirus 
  • Download the Victorian Government Coronavirus Factsheet
  • Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol. Have hand-sanitisers available throughout the church
  • Encourage people to wash their hands and post reminder signs throughout the church. Resources available via The Department of Health and Human Services website in various languages
  • Shaking hands is optional! Give permission for fist bumps or a hand wave to replace hugs and hand shaking
  • Place boxes of tissues in public access area eg church reception
  • Wipe down everything touched by churchgoers, like door handles and railings after every service
  • Limit potlucks and other nonessential large gatherings
  • Host conference calls or video chats as alternatives for face-to-face meetings, as possible

Communion

  • Take precautions to limit the spread of disease by not sharing common vessels for food and drink
  • Individual pre-filled communion cups (including wafers) are available as per pic below $59.99 per 100  – click this link to buy from Koorong

Preparation Ideas for Churches

  • Check other churches websites for podcasts

Source: BUV News