First United Methodist Church Plano and the H1N1 Virus
First United Methodist Church Plano cares about you. To that end we have adopted, implemented and continually review a variety of policies and practices to ensure the safety, health and well-being of all who are involved in our church. That is why, in the face of the predicted impact of the H1N1 Virus this fall and winter, we want to provide you an overview of the steps we currently are taking. Updated 09/15/09
While no one can predict the exact course the expected H1N1 outbreak will take, we want to assure you that we will continually assess the situation and respond appropriately to recommendations made by public health officials.
What You Can Do
The CDC recommends three simple, but critically important, things you can do to protect yourself and minimize the spread of the H1N1 Virus. This is so important that the First United Methodist Church staff will be strictly adhering to this as well.
- Wash your hands.
- Sneeze into your sleeve.
- Stay home if you don’t feel well and until you are asymptomatic.
Accurate and Timely Information
We receive regular updates from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the City of Plano and the State of Texas concerning the H1N1 Virus.
Building Cleaning
Redlee/SCS Group, the company that provides cleaning services for the church, is working closely with the CDC and uses products that most effectively kill the H1N1 Virus.
Church Nursery
Our church has adopted and implemented detailed policies for the nursery that incorporate safe and healthy practices regarding overall cleanliness, eating, diaper-changing and illness. These comprehensive policies include regularly washing hands, eating, diaper-changing, regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, using healthy nursery workers and keeping sick children home.
Children’s Activities
Adult workers will wash or sanitize their hands when entering the room and prior to serving any snacks. Children will wash or sanitize their hands upon entering the room and prior to eating any snacks. Also, hand sanitizer will be used as needed by both children and adults. Children will be required to wash their hands after going to the bathroom. Antibacterial wipes will be provided for all classrooms and teachers will sanitize tables before children enter the room and as needed. Parents will be asked to pick up and take home any children exhibiting any flu-like symptoms.
Weekday Program
Restrooms, sinks and floors are cleaned each evening. Classrooms, toys, tables, chairs, faucets, and door knobs are sprayed with disinfectant each morning and afternoon and as needed throughout the day. Changing tables, tables, and countertops are sprayed with disinfectant before and after each use. Staff and children have, and will continue to, wash their hands with soap and water repeatedly throughout the day. Staff and children exhibiting flu-like symptoms will stay home.
Communion
Pastors and laity serving communion will sanitize their hands immediately before communion is served to the congregation. Individuals receiving communion will be given individual pieces of bread and cups. Individuals will not serve communion if they are exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
Holding Hands in Worship
It is a tradition for children to hold hands during the closing prayer during Children’s Time and for the congregation to hold hands at the close of each worship service as a reminder that we are joined together as part of the Body of Christ. Until further notice, however, we will discontinue both of these.
Questions
Please contact a member of the church staff if you have any questions or concerns. They will be able to provide you more detailed information.
Keeping You Updated
As needed, we will provide information either by email and/or on the church web site.
More Information
You can obtain more information on the following link:
http://flu.gov
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