How to Avoid the Coronavirus?

            Families, communities, and nations are stronger when they are healthy. This is an obvious statement, but the task is harder in a world where the coronavirus is rampaging through nation after nation. Although there is no need for us to panic, there are reasons to act wisely. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is following closely the counsel of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Leaders have closed six temples – four in Asia, one in Italy, and one in the United States. The closed temples are in Taipei (Taiwan), Seoul (Korea), Fukuoka (Japan), Sapporo (Japan), Rome (Italy), and Seattle (Washington, USA). The Hong Kong (China) and Tokyo (Japan) were already closed for renovations, so this brings a total of six temples closed in Asia.

In addition, the Church of Jesus Christ is reducing its missionaries in nations with coronavirus outbreaks. Thirteen missions in Cambodia, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Singapore, and Thailand have been affected. Missionaries who are not native to the countries are being sent home to self-quarantine for two weeks. Some will remain at home, while others will be reassigned. Missionaries assigned to serve in the affected nations will delay the beginning of their missions or be reassigned to other missions. All missionaries are instructed to follow “basic preventative health practices to avoid illness.” 

In fact, all members of the Church of Jesus Christ are encouraged to take the necessary steps to stay healthy by following these precautions: 

• Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick (this may include avoiding shaking hands or other customary greetings).

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Maintain at least three feet (one meter) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Follow public health agency recommendations for using a facemask.

            These are wise precautions and something that all of us can do. The most difficult one for me may be to stop touching my face. I know that we can slow the assault rate of the coronavirus and possibly avoid it completely by following these safety measures. I know that we can strengthen our families, communities, and nations by staying healthy.

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