In recent weeks the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advised Americans to begin preparing for possible disruptions to daily life as a result of the COVID-19 virus. While there are currently no recorded cases of infection in Santa Barbara County, this is an excellent opportunity to check on your health habits and emergency preparedness:

—Keep at least two weeks’ supply of food for yourself, your family, and your animals and pets on hand at all times.

—Practice excellent personal hygiene, including washing hands thoroughly and often throughout the day.

—Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, then and immediately wash your hands.

—Stay at home if you experience any cold or flu-like symptoms. Remain at home until symptoms have subsided for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

—Seek immediate medical care if symptoms become severe (e.g., high fever, cough, or difficulty breathing).

The CDC website has a wealth of information on the current situation, as well as on general health habits to reduce the risk of infection.

As we adjust our daily practices in light of the Coronavirus, we invite our church goers to try some new practices to keep all God’s people safe, especially those most vulnerable among us:

—The Peace: Please bow to one another or fist bump. Please refrain from shaking hands or hugging.

—Communion: This week, Diocesan Bishop John Taylor has issued a directive stating that communion wine is not to be served within the diocese until we can be certain that any risk from the coronavirus has passed (Click here to read the announcement). The bread will still be offered during communion and, according to Episcopal theology, the work of the sacrament is complete when taken in only one kind—meaning just taking the bread without the wine. Those handling communion wafers will be washing and sanitizing their hands immediately before the Eucharist is offered. As always, it is also an option to receive a blessing at the Eucharist instead of taking communion.

—Pastoral Care: If you are sick or in the hospital, please let the church and your clergy know. Hospitals are not permitted to inform us of a patent’s presence in the hospital.

Hand Sanitizer will be available inside the Parish Hall on Sundays for your convenience.

The All Saints staff have discussed plans for how to proceed should our community be affected by the virus. Should the need arise, we will communicate with you about changes to our situation through through email. If you do not currently receive emails from All Saints, please subscribe here to make sure you receive updates in the future.