2 members of SC Methodist church treated for coronavirus, pastor quarantined
Members of a South Carolina Methodist church are hospitalized with the coronavirus, and the pastor as well as two other members are quarantining themselves, according to the church’s governing body.
The South Carolina United Methodist Church announced Thursday evening that at least two members of “one of our South Carolina” churches are being treated for coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
The statement did not specify what Methodist church the members attended or where the church was located.
The pastor of the church and two other members “have voluntarily quarantined themselves at home,” said Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, resident bishop of the SC Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Holston recommended churches:
▪ Seriously consider rescheduling all meetings and non-worship events
▪ Ask their congregrations to call or email the church or pastor rather than visit the church for routine business
▪ Follow the lead of state and local governments by closing church offices if government offices close
▪ Make sure members know how to contact pastors by phone, email and other methods such as social media.
The church governing body is encouraging churches to proceed with worship services while enacting “increased vigilance regarding cleaning worship areas, providing hand-washing stations, and educating members about social distancing and other preventive measures.”
“It remains important to base our actions and behaviors on what health experts are saying and to make sure any information we share comes from credible sources,” Holston said. “Please continue to pray for those affected by illness, the medical professionals treating and caring for them and those working diligently to ensure a healthier future for all of us.”
South Carolina has identified 12 coronavirus cases, including eight in Kershaw County, two in Lancaster County and one each in Charleston and Spartanburg counties.
The virus is also changing procedures with the South Carolina Catholic churches. They will be temporarily: removing holy water from the entrances, asking worshipers to refrain from holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer, making the sign of peace by bowing instead of hand-shaking, and suspending use of wine in communion, according to a release from the Diocese of Charleston.
Large public events across the state are being canceled or postponed, though state officials have not indicated any concern over large events at this time. St. Patrick’s Day weekend events have been affected from North Charleston to Columbia and Fort Mill.
Several colleges in the state, including the University of South Carolina, have extended their spring breaks and announced classes will be conducted online in an attempt to ward off the spread of the virus on campuses.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 6:28 PM with the headline "2 members of SC Methodist church treated for coronavirus, pastor quarantined."