A Statement on COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

A Statement on COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
 
The Canada West Mission Centre has been following developments of the well-publicized COVID-19 (or Novel Coronavirus). This may be of concern to Community of Christ members due to the confirmation of cases in British Columbia and Washington State. No cases have yet been confirmed in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba.
 
There have been no advisories concerning gatherings of persons in any jurisdictions in the Canada West Mission Centre or in Washington State. We do not expect any impact on our planned retreats, youth camps, and family camps/reunions. We will monitor each jurisdiction in case any advisories are issued that may affect our event operations. However, you can expect at our events reinforcement of the directives from all health agencies on how best to protect ourselves against all respiratory illnesses including flu and COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often and well
• Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
• When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then wash your hands

(adapted from: Alberta Health Services website)
 
Current government information about the disease for each respective location can be found at these links:

• Vancouver Coastal Health
• Snohomish (Washington) Health District (the county closest to the Samish Campground with reported cases of COVID-19)
• Alberta Health Services
• Government of Saskatchewan
• Manitoba Public Health

 
--Steve Thompson
President, Canada West Mission Centre