From the Principal's Desk
Dear Parents,
We have all heard in the news over the last few weeks about the presence of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China and its spread to other parts of the world, including the West Coast of the United States. According to the WHO, there are nearly 90,000 reported cases world-wide, including 62 in the United States.[1] No doubt much of the alarm of COVID-19 comes from the relatively high death rate of those who contract the disease (3,056 deaths; 3.4%).[2] Some of the symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.[3]
Looking at the reported cases helps one put the disease into perspective. The virus is, by far, more dangerous for the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. No fatalities have occurred with children between 0-9 years old. In fact, the percentages are very low through middle age.[4]
Despite the demographic numbers, COVID-19 is still a sickness to take seriously. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, the Contra Costa Health Services has sent letters to schools in the County informing us of the disease and how to prevent the spread of it. They recommend several practices that we are encouraging our students to follow:
We know that we live in a sin-cursed world. Sickness, disease, and death happen because of sin, not necessarily any particular sin of the individual, but sin as a principle. From a scriptural standpoint, we should follow good hygiene practices, but we should not live in a spirit of fear. II Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Fear of a negative outcome should not be our prevailing disposition. When a person is saved, he can live in confidence that all things work together for good to them that love God (Rom. 8:28), and therefore can trust the Lord with his physical life. How should we live given the current coronavirus outbreak? Practice good medicine and health habits, and trust the Lord.
Sincerely,
Pastor Sutton
[1] https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd (Accessed March 2, 2020).
[2] Ibid.
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html (Accessed March 2, 2020).
[4] https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/coronavirus-age-sex-demographics/ (Accessed March 2, 2020).
[5] Letters from the Contra Costa Health Services, dated February 12 and February 27, 2020.
Dear Parents,
We have all heard in the news over the last few weeks about the presence of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China and its spread to other parts of the world, including the West Coast of the United States. According to the WHO, there are nearly 90,000 reported cases world-wide, including 62 in the United States.[1] No doubt much of the alarm of COVID-19 comes from the relatively high death rate of those who contract the disease (3,056 deaths; 3.4%).[2] Some of the symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.[3]
Looking at the reported cases helps one put the disease into perspective. The virus is, by far, more dangerous for the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. No fatalities have occurred with children between 0-9 years old. In fact, the percentages are very low through middle age.[4]
Despite the demographic numbers, COVID-19 is still a sickness to take seriously. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, the Contra Costa Health Services has sent letters to schools in the County informing us of the disease and how to prevent the spread of it. They recommend several practices that we are encouraging our students to follow:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
- People who are sick should cover their coughs and sneezes using a tissue or the crook of their elbow; then wash hands
- People who are sick should stay home from work or school until they are well
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your unwashed hands[5]
We know that we live in a sin-cursed world. Sickness, disease, and death happen because of sin, not necessarily any particular sin of the individual, but sin as a principle. From a scriptural standpoint, we should follow good hygiene practices, but we should not live in a spirit of fear. II Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Fear of a negative outcome should not be our prevailing disposition. When a person is saved, he can live in confidence that all things work together for good to them that love God (Rom. 8:28), and therefore can trust the Lord with his physical life. How should we live given the current coronavirus outbreak? Practice good medicine and health habits, and trust the Lord.
Sincerely,
Pastor Sutton
[1] https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd (Accessed March 2, 2020).
[2] Ibid.
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html (Accessed March 2, 2020).
[4] https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/coronavirus-age-sex-demographics/ (Accessed March 2, 2020).
[5] Letters from the Contra Costa Health Services, dated February 12 and February 27, 2020.