At its meeting on Wednesday, 11^th March, the Kirk Session considered the coronavirus outbreak in light of the current guidance issued by NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government.   The Kirk Session reluctantly concluded that it would be prudent to introduce the following measures for an indefinite period:

  Pastoral visitation: There will be no pastoral visitation carried out by the ministers, the elders or the ladies visitation teams for an indefinite period but if anyone does have a pastoral issue they should not hesitate to contact their allocated district elder.  The Kirk Session is not unmindful of the fact that several in the congregation are housebound due to underlying general or age related health ailments.  For them, anxiety is likely to be a pressing issue during this period of heightened uncertainty so it’s important that we maintain regular contact with them to provide reassurance and support. 

 Residential Homes:  Due to the vulnerability of those living in residential care homes, our office bearers will not be conducting worship in any of the care homes on week-days or on the Lord’s Day.   As worship has always been an important feature in the lives of many of the residents, we need to remember them, and the loyal staff who care for them, in our prayers during the current difficult situation. 

These are not measures the Kirk Session has taken lightly but we are living in worrying and very uncertain times.  The events of recent weeks have forced us all to confront our vulnerability before an unseen virus which the brightest and most advanced medical skills in the world can neither harness nor tame.  While it forces us to retreat from some things, hopefully only for a short while, it remains vitally important that as a congregation we continue the practice of regularly meeting together for public worship every Lord’s Day and at the weekly prayer meetings. 

 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

 HYGIENE ADVICE TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF SPREADING CORONAVIRUS

To minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus we should all be meticulous in observing the most thorough hygiene practices as issued regularly by NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government. 

The advice to individuals is as follows:

 Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or with the use of an alcohol based hand gel.

1. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
2.  Wherever possible, avoid direct contact with anyone who has a respiratory illness.
3.  Avoid using personal items belonging to others, such as mobile phones.
4.  Be sure to carry a pack of tissues and use them to cover coughs and sneezes (nose and mouth) and dispose of   them immediately in the nearest bin.  Wash your hands again as described above.  

 If you know of anyone who has a cough, a fever or shortness of breath and who may not be aware of the risks to themselves and others, please encourage them to telephone their GP or NHS 24 (111) for medical advice. 

 Advice on coronavirus is changing frequently so it’s important that we pay careful attention and respond appropriately to the instructions issued by NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government which are intended to protect all of us from exposure to unnecessary risks.

 More information about coronavirus can be found on:  nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

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Posted 5 years ago by Elizabeth McGowan