Dr. Dean Varian's Message to Mt. Tabor

Posted on April 6, 2020.

Fellow Mt. Tabor church friends,

 

Most of you have likely been following the news well enough to be up-to-date on the latest recommendations coming from the state and federal governments.  As a reminder, or as new information, I offer the following:

 

1.  Hands

Be constantly aware of where your hands have been whenever you have ventured away from your home, or if handling things that have been brought into the house, such as the newspaper, the mail, and shopping goods. (This would include people who come into your home, but I think we are all well versed on social distancing by now).  If you have touched any of these, do NOT touch your eyes, nose or mouth before thoroughly washing your hands.  Decontaminate the items, or do not touch them for the prescribed length of time stated in the attachment

 

2.  Masks

It's time to start wearing a mask when you are in public buildings where other people are present.  Social distancing applies here, but it’s not always adequate, nor is it consistently practiced by others.  There are some good designs in cloth, homemade masks.  Even a well-applied kerchief over the face is probably better than nothing. (If you are self-conscious about wearing a mask, wear sunglasses and a ballcap also and you’ll be quite disguised.  That’s what I’ve done).

Masks serve three purposes:

a.)  They protect your face from accidentally or unconsciously being touched by your own hands that may have been contaminated in the public arena. 

b.)  Depending on the quality, masks provide some measure of protection from breathing in the virus that may be floating in the air.

c.)  They help prevent the spread of the virus if you happen to be carrying it.  Here I’m referring to the fact that simple speaking aloud can spew virus into the air.  However, only the highest level of mask would prevent spread from a cough or sneeze, so if you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, run to where people cannot hear or see you and cover your face well preferably with a cloth handerchief.  Otherwise, you may subject to angry mob action.  (just kidding)

 

3.  Gloves

Gloves may have a place if used correctly.  However, once the gloved hands have touched a potentially contaminated surface, they are no safer than the bare hands.  If you use gloves in public places, remove them as soon as you arrive home, outside or in the garage preferably, then wash your hands.

 

When I spoke before the congregation on March 15, I urged people to not panic.  Certainly, that attitude still applies.  But the level of needed diligence since then has risen.  We all have a small but important role to play in dealing with this epidemic.

 

Stay well, and may the Peace of God be with you.

- Dr. Dean Varian

 

Note: Special thanks to Mt. Tabor congregation member Dr. Dean Varian for forwarding this information via email.