Thoughts on Swine Flu

Rob Cizek
Northshore Christian Church
Everett, Washington

"I have been watching the news updates on swine flu since the spring. I think it is reasonable that churches could possibly be affected by it this fall/winter. Below is a brief general communication I sent to our staff today."

In addition, this week I proposed to our executive team that we consider the following changes to church operations:

Shaking Hands During Weekend Services

From September-May put our usual handshake greetings on hiatus. Members would no longer greet each other with a handshake. Greeters would smile but no shake hands at the door.

Communion

From September-May serve the bread in individually wrapped packages like the juice. This will keep germy hands out of the common bread bowl.

Hand Sanitizer

Have hand sanitizer located at all counters where food or drinks are offered.

Shots

If available, purchase flu shots and make them available at cost to employees and key volunteers.

Sick Children

Refuse to accept children who show obvious signs of illness (coughing, sneezing, fever) or set up a sick room for them.

"This week my son (and several other local kids) is attending a Young Life camp where six cases of the flu happened two weeks ago. Swine Flu really can and does happen."