LATEST UPDATE ON COVID 19

Latest Response to Covid 19 in Arklow Presbyterian Church
 
Following the announcement yesterday by the government re the Covid 19 virus, the overwhelming feeling of our church leaders was that despite the fact that our numbers may fall beneath the government guidelines of 100 plus people for automatic cancellation, it would be wisest for the health of our congregation and the wider community, and for our witness in the wider community in playing our part to try and slow down the spread of this virus, that we should cancel Sunday services and all other weekly activities at Arklow Presbyterian Church until the 29th March after which new directives will be given.
 
For your own health and the health of our community please continue to follow the public health guidance provided by the state authorities– the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland (www.publichealth.hscni.net) and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in the Republic of Ireland (www.hpsc.ie). A summary of these can be found below-
 
​Please N.B. that the Church’s duty of care extends to members of the clergy and all elders/pastoral carers.  If you have influenza–type symptoms, do not call the clergy for pastoral visitation.  Pastoral support for parishioners who are unable to attend church services should be provided by telephone or online (e.g. Skype).
 
If you are worried at all, and would like to receive pastoral care please don’t hesitate to phone your elder or your Minister (Michael) on 085 855 1390.
 
While it is important for us not to be complacent about the risks of Covid 19, I am also aware that many of you may feel very anxious or afraid.  Perhaps some of that may be based on information that is inaccurate. 

To help you with your fears and anxieties I would like to recommend that you read the article “Developing Strategies to reduce our Anxiety over the Corona Virus” by visiting the following website- https://www.stpatricks.ie/media-centre/blogs-articles/2020/march/coronavirus-anxiety#.Xms4V9kRId0.whatsapp
 
Special care should be taken when visiting hospitals, residential and nursing homes – this should ideally be kept to essential visits only. The advice on the Public Health website should be followed (checking regularly for updates), as well as local advice.
 
We are currently exploring the options of producing a reflection and prayers each week which people can either phone in and listen to through something like Googlehangout or simply read on the church website.  Further details to follow…
 
Thank you for all your support at this difficult time.  Continue to pray for our community and for each other in these difficult days.
 
Rev Michael Anderson  (13th March 2020)