No change in severity of flu
The World Health Organization has declared the highest alert level due to the global spread of the flu and to facilitate preparedness. However the flu continues to be mild - there has been no increase in the severity of cases.
Here on Long Island:
We live in an increasingly interconnected world: what affects a community in one part of the globe affects us all. This observation is especially true in regards to infectious diseases. The availability of relatively easy world travel has made the possibility of world-wide spread of infectious diseases a significant possibility. Among the infectious diseases that pose a particular risk is influenza (flu). We see this fact being played out in the current crisis regarding so called "swine flu", now officially being referred to as H1N1 flu.
Since a major initial cluster has occurred within our diocese at St. Francis Prep in Fresh Meadows Queens, the questions which arise seem even more urgent for our parishes and families. This page is intended as a resource for our communities in the response to this crisis.
We will place here the most up-to-date information, and in coordination with Episcopal Relief and Development and the national network or Episcopal Community Services throughout the Church, plans and strategies particularly relevant for faith communities. ECS Long Island as part of the Episcopal Disaster Network, New York Disaster Interfaith Services and Long Island VOAD will have access to the most pertinent information. Please return to this page from time to time to check for updates. If you have any further questions, please contact Fr, Charles McCarron at 718-465-8585 or cmccarron@ecslongisland.net.
Published 1 May 2009: Faith Communities and Pandemic Flu: Guidance for faith communities and local influenza pandemic committees
Information from the United States: Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Information from the World Health Organization (WHO)
New York City Department of Health's FAQ (4/28/09) regarding the current crisis
The following link is to a summary page from the Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), recommended pandemic manual of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport Iowa. This summary gives an idea of some of the issues that congregations should be considering regarding distribution of Communion, parish gatherings, etc. At the time of this posting (4/29/09), we are at a World Health Organization (WHO) level 5. Read the suggestions accordingly.
