27/02/2020
"Dear brothers and sisters,
Today I turn to you all with some thoughts on the coronavirus.
We must take note that the virus has reached Europe. Just as an example, Italy can clearly show that within a few days hundreds of people were infected. The typical thing about this virus is that you can't stop the infection, which is not easily noticeable at first but then within days typical cold or flu-like symptoms become evident and by this time the virus has already been transmitted further.
Under no circumstances do I wish to express fears or uncertainties in the future. Thank God the coronavirus has made its way into most countries through individual cases. On the other hand, however, I think it is right that we establish robust guidelines.
Until the coronavirus is contained, the following should be observed:
1. At this stage, we should refrain from greeting and taking leave of one another with a handshake.
2. We should take care of our hand hygiene and make it a priority to have hand disinfectants in our churches for regular use.
3. We should refrain from embracing one another.
4. Where members exhibit typical cold symptoms and there is still no final clarification on the nature of the infection, I would ask them to inform their ministers and refrain from attending divine services, youth meetings, and choir practices, etc., until they have recovered.
5. Those who have travelled through or from risk areas, should be particularly attentive to symptoms such as respiratory problems or fever and exclude themselves from being a risk to further infection especially if they are undergoing medical treatment.
6. This also applies to those who experience symptoms such as fever, coughing or respiratory problems. If this is the case, follow the advice from local authorities and for the UK, dial 111, for Ireland, call your GP.
I think that with these measures we can help to contain the coronavirus in our congregations.
I sincerely plead for your understanding with these measures and greet you very warmly,
Yours
RĂ¼diger Krause."
Best regards