Community Care in a Time of Coronovirus

The world is not ending.

But. 

We are now officially in a time of global pandemic. The last truly global pandemic was the Spanish Flu of 1918.

A lot has happened since then- we have the technology available to get the word out faster, but we also have the technology available to spread angst, misinformation, guesstimations, and worry. It seems like a Catch-22. 
In light of that, let’s offer some grounding for the state we find ourselves in. 

Recommendations in a time of Coronavirus
First, Governor Brown issued the following recommendations/statement this morning, March 12th.

Here are some highlights of the recommendations from the statement

• All large gatherings over 250 people are canceled statewide, effectively immediately, for four weeks (through April 8, 2020).
•  Large gatherings subject to this order include but are not limited to community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, or sporting events, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, and any similar events or activities if a distance of at least three (3) feet between individuals cannot be maintained.

Caring for the Vulnerable 
Also from Governor Brown's office:
"Individuals in high-risk populations (those over 60 years of age, or those with an underlying health condition) should avoid social and community gatherings of more than ten (10) people, for four weeks (through April 8, 2020).”

For us here in Milwaukie/Oak Grove, that means that a lot of our colleagues in faith communities are facing the decision of canceling their worship gatherings from now until Easter. 

Storyline Community has canceled our Sunday gathering, as have our partner communities at Oak Grove UMC and Milwaukie Lutheran. 
It means we’re going to need to be mindful of our at-risk populations and neighbors such as: 

• Our neighbors who are immunocompromised
• Our neighbors who are over the age of 60 
• Our neighbors who are houseless

Connection in a time of Coronavirus
All of this means we’re going to need to learn how to stay connected with one another in creative ways. The CDC is recommending the practice of social distancing, this includes canceling unnecessary meetings, dates, and social engagements where a 3-foot distance cannot be kept. 

 Be looking here, at our blog, for links to grounding conversations that we’re hoping to host via ZOOM and tips for how to consider reaching out to your neighbors and family in the coming weeks. 

Click here for some tips/specifics on healthy social distancing. 

What's next for us?
Looking ahead, it’s going to also mean we find creative ways to Sabbath and remind ourselves that it’s ok even in the midst of a world that often operates at breakneck speed to slow down and stay home, or at least keep to outside spaces where you have the option to keep your distance. Going for walks is still ok. Taking care of yourself is super important. We’re also going to dig into some ways to help continue conversations online about best practices for mental and emotional health. 

In the meantime, keep yourself informed. We recommend the source material:
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https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html