COVID- 19

Church Worship

Places of worship remain closed, but worship hasn’t stopped. Our Bishops have accordingly been advised on how to maneuver through the new normal presented by these times. Where possible, Services are being held virtually, and personal (including family) worship encouraged. Click here to view our guidance.

Our Guidance to Dioceses

· Provincial In-person Meetings bringing together large groups have been limited.

· In line with the Government’s Directives on large public gatherings, we have limited non-essential meetings within our churches.

·We also encourage Kenyans to show concern to the wellbeing of those who may be in need. We appreciate that lives have been changed and livelihoods disrupted as a result of the pandemic. We therefore encourage you to touch the lives of others in these difficult times.

·  We will adhere to high hygiene practices within Church premises. These include provision of Water, soap and where available sanitizers; for use by those who visit our facilities.

·  ACK managed Health facilities are on standby and open to people seeking medical care.

·  We urge parents to take care of their children and also monitor their interactions.

·Christians have been advised to continue worshiping in their homes as families using the Morning Prayer Book. This, however, should not attract large groups.

·  For special services such as burials and weddings, we encourage small gatherings and minimum time should be spent in them with the full knowledge of the relevant Government authorities.

·We have embraced the use of technology to offer ministry and services. This is in the form of Facebook livestream, WhatsApp video/podcast sharing, YouTube uploads among other forms of media.

· We encourage Christians to consider electronic giving when support ministry

·   We will work with Government agencies tasked with fighting the pandemic and help in disseminating related information to the masses.

 

It is important to note that personal responsibility is key in ensuring that the country contains the spread of the COVID-19 disease. We urge you to be aware of the risk that the disease poses should the infection rates not be contained. May we also find it in us to be kind and affectionate to those who may be infected, suspected to have been or whose relatives have been infected with the disease. For them, it is a moment too hard to walk alone. Show kindness. Check on them and support them.  That goes a long way in helping them lead normal lives even in adversity.

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

How does it spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air, and quickly fall on floors or surfaces.

You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth.

 

Signs and symptoms

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

The Most common symptoms include Fever, Dry cough, Tiredness, aches and pains; sore throat and diarrhea. Other Serious symptoms include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure and loss of speech or movement.  Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms.

 

How can infections be prevented?

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. This helps kill viruses that may be on your hands.
• Maintain at least 1 metre distance between yourself and others.  When someone coughs, sneezes, or speaks they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person has the disease.
• Avoid going to crowded places. Where people come together in crowds, you are more likely to come into close contact with someone that has COIVD-19 and it is more difficult to maintain physical distance of 1 metre (3 feet).
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and infect you.
• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands. Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
• Stay home and self-isolate even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover. Have someone bring you supplies. If you need to leave your house, wear a mask to avoid infecting others.
• If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention, but call by telephone in advance if possible and follow the directions of your local health authority. The toll-free Number provided by the Government is 719 or text *719#. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
• Keep up to date on the latest information from trusted sources, such as the National and County Governments; and the World Health Organization (WHO). Be aware of fake news and misinformation that is spread through the internet or any other publications.

Advice on the safe use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers

To protect yourself and others against COVID-19, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water. If you use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, make sure you use and store it carefully. Remember that washing your hands with soap and water is also effective against COVID-19.