Gerry Edwards shared an email from a friend of his, which was published here. Dr. James Robb, MD, FCAP was one of the first molecular virologists in the world to work on the coronaviruses (in the 1970s). And he was the first to demonstrate the number of genes the virus contained. Since then he has kept up with the coronavirus field and its multiple clinical transfers into the human population (e.g., SARS, MERS), from different animal sources. He predicts the virus to be widespread in the US by mid-March or April. And he lists the precautions he is taking, which are the same as one might take during the influenza season.
Dr. Robb notes: “This virus is spread in large droplets by coughing and sneezing. This means that the air will not infect you! BUT all the surfaces where these droplets land are infectious for about a week on average - everything that is associated with infected people will be contaminated and potentially infectious. The virus is on surfaces and you will not be infected unless your unprotected face is directly coughed or sneezed upon. This virus only has cell receptors for lung cells (it only infects your lungs). The only way for the virus to infect you is through your nose or mouth via your hands or an infected cough or sneeze onto or into your nose or mouth.” We touch our faces about 90 times a day, so if you did touch a drop elsewhere, it is important to keep your hands clean so you don’t touch your face.
As this virus can only impact you through the means of being inhaled, it helps to drink some water about every 15 minutes, for if you swallow the virus, your stomach acid will kill it. It can only infect lung cells.
What about communion? It is not a problem. You receive the bread from the hands of one who is cleaned up. You dip it yourself into the juice. You swallow what you receive. The virus cannot be passed in the air. It takes droplets – so a sneeze or cough in your face. No need to fear. You cannot get the virus by taking communion. Besides, we have prayed up, it is a sanctified meal!
So here are things he recommends. You are welcome to adopt any or all of these at Westside. We will seek to get supplies in so you feel safe. We are wiping down all the chairs and surfaces with alcohol wipes this week. Even as we do this, remember the CDC has reminded us that the risk is very low with this virus. It can be lethal to those already suffering from lung issues. But even for them, with proper care, the risk is low. The health care location in Kirkland that has experienced so many deaths, just last April was fined $67,000 over their lack of infection control in their facility. Charges were removed by last June, but perhaps they are not where to look to see the danger posed by this virus.
Here are Dr. Robb’s recommendations:
1) REPLACE HANDSHAKING! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, toe touch, etc.
2) USE Your knuckles to touch light switches, elevator buttons. Or use a paper towel and dispose of it.
3) USE closed fist or hip to open doors. If you grasp a handle, then, wash your hands or use sanitizer. This is especially important on bathroom and post office/commercial doors.
4) USE disinfectant wipes at stores for the handles of carts, etc. Remember if you wear gloves for this protection not to touch your face with them on. (At Costco, they have a new person actually wiping down every cart handle for you!) Dr. Robb also recommends using a surgical mask to prevent touching your face.
5) WASH your hands with soap for 10-20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been.
6) KEEP a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home's entrances and in your car
7) COUGH OR SNEEZE INTO a disposable tissue and discard. Sneeze/cough into your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain an infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!
Wearing a surgical mask will not prevent a direct sneeze from getting into your nose or mouth. And actually, it is better to breathe fresh air, so only do this for short periods if you are out, to avoid touching your face. He also recommends using zinc lozenges, especially if allowed to bathe the back of the throat.
Please feel free to simply inform others of what you are practicing. If no handshakes or hugs, that’s fine. Let us know. I find hugs actually healing. So I’ll still hug, if you want one, but just won’t breathe in your face!
We will take every precaution to assure that worship is in an environment that allows freedom from the virus and therefore freedom from fear, and an open place to experience the presence and beauty of God.
Come as you are. Be who you are. Don’t fear.
You are loved.
Brian