Like many of you, I’ve been tracking the numbers of hospitalizations and recoveries at Hunterdon Medical Center each day. Over the last week, we have decreased from a peak above 50 to a current number of 40 confirmed COVID-19 cases. As testing remains limited only to people presenting very specific symptoms, this doesn’t capture the full extent of the current outbreak. That said, a decrease is a decrease, and follows the news that we are past our peak.
To secure that victory, however, requires all of our continued vigilance. Masks, distance, minimizing travel and the rest are certainly challenging for many, but being past peak isn’t the same as being completely safe. I was reminded of this in a concrete way when a person who has been working in the church building let me know they are presumed positive for COVID-19 this week. As the building has been closed since March 15th, we can rest fairly securely that exposure was limited and restricted.
Still, and I can’t stress this enough: for the health and wellbeing of church employees, the contractors working on the school in B-wing, and yourselves, do not enter the church building. Even if you have a key, even if you will only take a minute… please, for the health and wellbeing of church employees, the contractors, and yourselves, do not enter the church building (do I sound like a broken record)? Gretchen and I are happy to print or set aside anything you might need outside when you let us know when you’re coming. If something can be sent or acquired digitally, for the time being, please acquire it digitally.
Finally, tomorrow is Sunday. Worship is going to look a little different this week, but I think you will enjoy what we’ve cooked up. Here is a link to the bulletin. Blessings and peace to you! Stay safe and remember you are loved.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ben
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