What will happen at St George’s if there is a…

 Swine Flu Pandemic?

 Taking our health seriously is important, so please read this carefully.

 Some steps we might take if a pandemic is declared:

• Because many people gather here - the young, the old, those inbetween, the pregnant, the infirm, the rudely healthy -  we will have to be very careful; 
• Antibacterial hand wash will be available at the door for use on entering;
• When we share the Peace we will have to do it ‘verbally’, i.e. not by kissing each other or shaking hands;
• It might become necessary to only receive communion in one kind, i.e. bread only, not sharing the common cup;

 

• Many of the people who come to lunch club are vulnerable so we will all need to be especially vigilant. 
• In addition to the steps listed in 'church' above…
• If there are not enough volunteer drivers, helpers or cooks it might become necessary to cancel at short notice;

At Sunday School:

• It might be necessary to cancel at very short notice. If you have a child in Sunday School, please make sure that you have given up-to-date phone numbers to Helen.

How you can help yourself:

• Confirming a network of ‘flu friends’ – friends and relatives – who could help you if you fall ill. They could collect medicines and other supplies for you so you do not have to leave home and possibly spread the virus. Where the Church can possibly help, we will (see below)
• Have a stock of food and other supplies available at home that will last for two weeks, in case you and your family are ill. Don’t forget to include simple medicines like aspirin, paracetamol etc.
• If you develop flu symptoms, don’t go to the Doctor – you risk spreading it. Instead, ring them – keep their number handy – or ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

• Think about your neighbours and friends - can you be a 'flu friend' for them?
• Can you offer your time to the church to help others by answering the phones or by becoming a 'flu friend' to someone who is lonely or whose friends and relatives live too far away?
• Do you know anyone who is especially vulnerable - like a farmer for instance?  Who will feed the livestock if the farmer falls ill?  What help can you offer? 

How will Church help?

 It might become necessary to cancel a service at short notice if all the Ministers are ill (and don’t forget that they are likely to be in contact with the illness because of visits and Funeral ministry). We will try and keep you informed by:

• Updates on the website www.newmillschurch.co.uk
• Setting up a telephone Information Line on 01663 749323 to say whether services are happening or cancelled (this is the Parish Office). 
• This line would also be the one to ring if you need help (see 'flu friends' above). Volunteers might ‘man’ the phones, or it might be that messages left will be picked up by volunteers.
• The Vicarage phone line should only be used if you actually need the Vicar – this is because messages left will not be picked up in the event of the Vicar falling ill.