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Caring for One Another During Coronavirus PandemicBishop Jane's Latest Worship Community Guidelines As we head into the weekend, please be aware of the latest Covid-19 guidelines for worshiping communities in the Edmonton diocese. While Alberta Health Services has not banned worship gatherings to date, Bishop Jane has asked that parishes take precautionary measures to protect the wellbeing of themselves and others. As of March 13, 2020, the risk to Albertans of becoming infected with the Coronavirus is still considered low. Please see the Alberta Health Services website for the most up-to-date information: COVID-19 Info for Albertans "My brother and sister clergy please take good care of yourselves and your folk. Now is probably the time to divide the parish lists into phone groups so you and vestry can make sure everyone gets a weekly call to see how they are doing." Parishioners and clergy who have been travelling internationally or are feeling unwell should worship at home. (Alberta Health advises that anyone with flu-like symptoms who has been travelling should call 811 to arrange testing. Do not go to a clinic.) At least one parish, St. Augustine of Canterbury in Edmonton, is planning to videostream its 10 am service on Sunday morning via Facebook Live. Log on and tune in here: https://www.facebook.com/staugustinesedmonton/ In addition, many parishes podcast their weekly sermons on social media and on their websites. Bishop Jane also recommends the Mission of St. Clare Daily Office resource for Morning and Evening Prayer. Bishop Jane advises that all non-essential gatherings, such as coffee-hours, potlucks and concerts, be postponed until April. Video-conferencing, such as Skype and Zoom, should be used in place of face-to-face meetings and Bible studies. Consider making Bible study reflections available on Facebook or other digital platforms. When serving meals to vulnerable folk or running a food bank depot, please be extra vigilant about hand-washing and hand-sanitizing. Be mindful of volunteers and their own health and wellbeing. Concerning public worship: Clergy and laity who are feeling ill should avoid pastoral duties which involve physical interaction with others. Greet one another at the door with a smile and friendly conversation instead of handshakes or hugs; stay in place while exchanging the Peace and give a smile and wave instead of a handshake or hug. Provide hand-sanitizer (60% alcohol content) at the entrance of the church and at the front of the church for people to use before taking communion. Communion is to be offered in one kind only (the bread) effective immediately. Sharing the common cup is prohibited. All persons involved in the distribution or handling of the bread must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer prior to handling the elements and the setting of the table. All communion vessels must be washed with hot, soapy water, rinsed in hot water and air dried after liturgy and prior to storage. *Please note, we will continue to update this website and social media as we become aware of new information about the Covid-19 pandemic. For more info, watch this five-minute video on the cause and prevention of Coronavirus What is Coronavirus? For more infomation visit: http://edmonton.anglican.ca/news/public-worship-health-guidelines
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