We know the usual signs and symptoms of COVID 19 to watch for by now.  They include but are not limited to:

1. Fever/chills
2. Cough
3. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
4. Fatigue
5. Muscle/body aches
6. Headache
7. Loss of taste/smell
8. Sore throat
9. Nasal congestion or runny nose
10. Nausea or vomiting

In addition to the above symptoms, the CDC recommends you seek emergency medical care if you have any of these symptoms:

1. Trouble breathing
2. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
3. New confusion
4. Inability to wake or stay awake
5. Bluish lips or face

There are 10 unusual symptoms that are seen less often but are associated with COVID 19:

1. Skin irritation
2. Brain fog/confusion/hallucinations/delirium
3. Elevated heart rate or temperature 
4. Vocal cord neuropathy/hoarseness/difficulty speaking

​As COVID 19 and its variants continue to evolve, more symptoms may come to light.  Any new symptom that you have not had before deserves attention especially if you have a number of the above symptoms at the same time.

As adapted from the Cleveland Clinic February 1, 2021
By Deb Taylor

In the last two weeks, Hanover zip code area has been a "hot spot" for COVID 19 in the York County area.  Deb emphasizes that it is important for us to set an example of following masking, social distancing and hand hygiene practices when we are out.

Variants of the virus have become widespread. The United Kingdom (UK) variant B.1.1.7 is shown to spread more easily than the currently predominant strain and may be more deadly. Another variant, the South Africa B.1.351 may not be mitigated by simple 6-foot social distancing.  International travel restrictions are being imposed. COVID 19 is now the number 1 cause of death in the United States, having also lowered life expectancy in the U.S.

Jonas shared information obtained from the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association concerning recommended best practices for singing and performing instrumental music.  Normal masked singing produces equal spread to that of talking. 30 minutes of masked practice with adequate air exchange following is safe. Certain instruments would require surface cleaning/sanitizing between uses. Jonas is not considering in-person rehearsals at this point, but wanted to share information with the group.

We continue to have no time limit in mind for in person, indoor worship as it is not deemed safe or appropriate at this time for our congregation.

Adequate air exchange continues to be a discussion point. Our building is designed without air exchange considerations.  

Many of our decisions are based on legal implications as well as personal safety.

Rita Bouchard discussed potentially assisting people in the congregation to obtain the vaccine or help in the process. Also, mental health issues are a vital part of dealing with the pandemic and COVID 19.
(Summary by Jonas Sterner of meeting minutes by Sally Kaltreider January 25, 2021)

Special thanks to Pastor Bruce for communicating so effectively with print and eNewsletters. Appropriate and correct information has been relayed to members which conveys the Christian tenants of love and concern for one another.

New information on the Coronavirus, transmission and testing were shared and discussed.  Vaccine information was also shared and discussed.

The COVID 19 Preparedness Team at St. Jacob's Stone UCC recommends "watchful waiting." Out of Christian love and concern for one another, it is safest to continue worshiping virtually rather than at in-person indoor services. We're very fortunate to have many skilled and talented people to make this work as well as it has been working.
Many issues will need to be considered to determine when indoor in-person worship can be safely resumed. Deb is always a resource for anyone to discuss issues and concerns regarding COVID 19.
(Summary by Jonas Sterner of meeting minutes by Sally Kaltreider December 28, 2020)

Because of our current structure and heating system, the only way to provide air exchange is to open windows/doors at St. Jacob's Stone UCC. Air exchange and filtration systems are available, but none are practical for our church building. Deb continues to recommend to Consistory that we NOT resume in-person worship unless held outdoors. Consensus among the group of COVID 19 Preparedness Team.

Free-standing and wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispensing units will be obtained: one for the handicapped entrance at the choir room, another by the entrance near the sexton's house currently being used if people enter the church building. Authorization for purchase or requesting donations granted by trustees.

Storage of hand sanitizer refills will be upstairs and downstairs with a pump in each place.  

December 13, 2020 drive-in worship planned. Positive responses from members about drive in church where we tune into radio station 88.5FM. The worship service is broadcast using an FM transmitter.

Monthly meetings will continue to be held on the last Monday of each month at 6:00 PM via uberconference.com/stoneucc or 717-297-0608.
(Summarized by Jonas Sterner from meeting minutes by Sally Kaltreider November 30, 2020)

Our COVID-19 Preparedness Team has been meeting and collecting and sharing data. Led by Deb Taylor, they are kept up to date with latest research and findings, mitigation techniques and considerations for our congregation.

If returning to worship at some point, things to consider would include:

• 6-feet social distancing, wearing masks at all times, entering the building by one entrance with potential temperature checks, sanitizing stations.
• Following worship, congregants would be escorted outside by pew and be expected to go directly to their own vehicle.
• Follow order of worship/liturgy on screens; no bulletins
• No singing, initially, even with masks. No fellowship before/after worship; no handshakes or hugs, no food or drinks provided.
• Keep all belongings on your person (coat, purse, bags, etc)
• Anyone with any illness or symptoms of any sort, especially with fever, respiratory or gastrointestinal, STAY HOME.
• Extensive cleaning after each use, including meetings/gatherings.
• Adhere to local recommendations of percent occupancy

These are ideas. Actual response will depend on guidelines/recommendations by local government and officials.

We do these things as Christians who love each other, protecting each other intentionally, just as God intentionally loves us.
(Summarized by Jonas Sterner from October 6, 2020 meeting minutes by Sally Kaltreider)