The Mysterious Coronavirus Spreading Worldwide

[SUNRAY]

8 minutes ago, zoebarry said:

My employer hasn’t said to stop,

Maybe you can work only the doors that have "Ring" or a similar camera or intercom by their doors. If they are interested, you could ask for their phone # or email to keep in touch..also, if you have an information packet, you could offer to leave it by their door..just a thought. If you have to turn in a report to your employer, just mark the remaining homes as "not at homes".. and that you left a note at their door.😎

[Old]

Our congregation has gone on lock down for two weeks due to an elder fulfilling his responibility of tending to the sick. The visitation was in a Veterans retirement facility in a neighboring city. He and others shared a meal with the elderly patient. The next day it was confirmed that there were two tested coronavirus patients in the facility. 

[Dages]

In France, 2281 contaminated, 105 in serious condition, 48 deaths.

I hope the friends are ok.

Edited March 12, 2020 by Dages

[daydream]

Silly me didn't know the definition for the word 'corona'

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/11/science/how-coronavirus-hijacks-your-cells.html

 

The coronavirus is named after the crownlike spikes that protrude from its surface. The virus is enveloped in a bubble of oily lipid molecules, which falls apart on contact with soap.

[Nirex]

4 hours ago, Dages said:

That would be fun if the UN decided to attack Religion and forceclose everything because of that...

Then you'd have to attack the sports events and other things people spreaded it at.

Like if this continues to the end of the year. Anime cons are now definitely out. Here in Georgia, Dragoncon gets around 50k+ people.

[Bluebell]

just received an email .....Tours to Bethel's in Warwick/Walkill/Patterson are cancelled until 1st May....

[Mykyl]

They say the real figures in the UK are more likely between 5000 to 10000. Very sombre press conference. New persistent cough or temperature above 37.8 then stay home for 7 days. Sad for those with no hope.

 

Edited March 12, 2020 by Mykyl

[Dustparticle]

I heard some meetings in Chicago is cancelled so they can be prepare for their Circuit Assembly.

[JudyO]

How do we balance meetings and service (which are commanded) with the very real threat of pandemic?

[Lee49]

"The door to door ministry and public ministry are cancelled in my area for now."

 

Are your KH meetings canceled as well?

[JudyO]

No, not yet. We've been sterilizing before and after meetings. The third person in OK was diagnosed positive (the Utah Jazz basketball player who was in OKC). So it's not as prevalent here yet.

[Loopy]

Just in case any of you have pets and are using disinfectants, you may want to know this. Please be careful.

 

If you are not aware.... some disinfecting products are not pet friendly. Phenol can cause liver damage to pets, and Lysol gives off potentially volatile organic compound in its vapor. Additionally, if your dog licks or ingests Lysol, it can cause serious chemical burns in the tongue of upper esophagus.

 

The two most effective disinfectants are vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. White vinegar can be found in most stores with 5% concentration. This will kill 85% of germs.

 

Don’t have your pets end up in the emergency room in your quest to kill germs!

[Amygdala]

Interesting how meetings are being cancelled in your areas of the US.

 

Where we live in Germany, meetings are continuing. We also got the letters regarding no hugging, regular hand washing, and now that Bethel in Selters will be closed for tours in the meantime. But I forgot until when.

I got an email from our local library that all upcoming events are cancelled until the end of April. Lots of cancellations of events are happening, big and small. 

I was out in the ministry this morning with my husband, and I do notice that this is really affecting my RV's and bible studies. Understandably they are not keen to meet regularly, nor attend the meetings.

I was just enjoying the beautiful sunshine we had today after days of rain, and am grateful that we can still go out in the ministry. I was thinking of maybe adding more cart witnessing shifts to my schedule if my bible studies really slow down. Last cart witnessing shift I was working with an elderly German sister in her late 70's who is regular pioneering. I asked if she isn't a little concerned going out in service because of the virus. She didn't really answer. But it does seem a little calm here in comparison to the rest of the world.

 

Perhaps, though, it's just a matter of time until we may have to go on lock-down too, like our neighbors in Italy. In 2 weeks, the numbers of infected people here in Germany tripled in number already, and if this continues, who knows what the governments next steps will be. So I am just taking advantage of the time to go out in the ministry - of course while taking precautions. But I really wonder if that will change in the very near future. First year back to pioneering...oiy what a year...

[Beggar for the Spirit]

57 minutes ago, JudyO said:

How do we balance meetings and service (which are commanded) with the very real threat of pandemic?

Hi Judy,

That is a good question, at times like this we obey the direction of the FDS.  If meetings are canceled in our area, this just means that meetings at the KH are canceled. This doesn't mean "meetings" are canceled, because as you right said, this is a command. The elders from each congregation can provide every person and family with the "program invitation" for JW Stream where they can watch the video recorded meetings.

 

As for the ministry, another command and act of love we must continue doing, while we may be told that the ministry has been canceled in our local area, this doesn't mean our personal "ministry" is canceled, just formal arrangements for public ministry have been canceled. So we can then find various ways to conduct our ministry from within our home, such as by calling or emailing RVs, relatives, neighbors, and even asking about telephone and letter writing territory. So how do we balance meetings and service (which are commanded) with the very real threat of pandemic? A great answer to your question can be found in this article below, "do whatever you can and as much as you can under the circumstances".  

Spoiler

 

Quote

*** od chap. 17 p. 176 pars. 15-17 Stay Close to Jehovah’s Organization ***
Tests that come because of wars, revolutions, or outright persecution and official bans may make it impossible for you to carry on Christian worship openly. You may not be able to meet as a congregation.. If any of these things happen, what should you do?

 The answer is, do whatever you can and as much as you can under the circumstances.

Even if you do find yourself isolated from all your Christian brothers, keep in mind that you are not isolated from Jehovah and his Son, Jesus Christ. Your hope can remain firm.

 

Edited March 12, 2020 by Beggar for the Spirit

[Loopy]

Can you imagine parents willingly bringing children among crowds? Taking a chance?  
 

People on social media are still 😆 at articles about this virus....even while others are dying. O well, can’t fix stupid.

 

Same ones will probably laugh when we change to a judgement message. Boy will I have to bite my tongue.
 

 

https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2020/03/12/coronavirus-california-disneyland-closures-governor-newsom-covid/?fbclid=IwAR1sUFxK2aoRDHbUJ7HIl9ikFQG29wA-4NQN9Dd6wCoFV2Qjv_1WVVpvV0s

 

ANAHEIM (CBSLA/AP) – Disneyland and other large theme parks will not required to comply with California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order against large gatherings to counter the spread of COVID-19.
 

Newsom said California public health officials issued an updated policy saying “non-essential” gatherings such as sporting events, concerts and conferences should be postponed or canceled until at least the end of March.

 

At a news conference Thursday, Gavin said Disneyland and other large theme parks, theaters and casinos are exempted from his order against gatherings of 250 people or more due to coronavirus due to the “complexity of their unique circumstances”, but discussions remain ongoing.

 

Newsom said he spoke Wednesday with Disney’s executive chairman, Bob Iger, on the subject.

 

The governor also suggested guidance on limiting large gatherings is likely to extend beyond March and will affect pro baseball games.

While he acknowledged California’s legal authority is limited when it comes to enforcement, Newsom said he expects people to adopt the recommendations. 

 

 

[rolypoly]

I have a thought about streaming the memorial. I have family members that would never go to the Kingdom Hall. No way, no how. But I bet they are feeling a little anxious right now. If I invite them to watch the memorial online, they might just be inclined to do so. I know they've seen the Witnesses in action over the years. They read all of the apostate stuff online and think we're crazy about blood, but I have a feeling they realize but there's something about us. They just don't want to admit it out loud. If I can send them a link, in the privacy of their home they might just watch it. Not that they would tell me, but that's okay.

[Barbllm]

The first death from COVID-19 has been reported in Georgia, USA.  The governor is holding a press conference this afternoon.  And Ireland is now going into lockdown until the end of the month: https://www.irishpost.com/news/breaking-varadkar-announces-ireland-will-go-lockdown-6pm-today-march-29-181528?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link&ICID=ref_fark

 

 

[Old]

30 minutes ago, Loopy said:

Can you imagine parents willingly bringing children among crowds? Taking a chance?  

 

 

Children are probably better off than the parents and grandparents, but who wants to jumpinto a petri dish.

Children tend to have very mild symptoms and then become walking time bombs among the rest of us.

[Old]

Is anyone beside me having difficulty remembering which coronavirus page we are posting on?  

[Loopy]

Another basketball player from same NBA team has tested positive.

 

https://wgntv.com/sports/donovan-mitchell-is-2nd-utah-jazz-player-to-test-positive-for-coronavirus-report/?fbclid=IwAR1dD-Rd_iUQggs5rXy8I0c1jlYIUjdy6i1QQX4UCL3x3iFAGHkopcSdAls

[EccentricM]

I was sent an additional number by an Elder for listening in to meetings. He said it was in case we hit a cap. I wonder if this is due to more people staying home due to the virus.

[SUNRAY]

I was watching the news just now, the mayor of NYC declaring a state of emergency there..one thing he said was "no more door to door canvassing"...anyone heard anything about our work in NYC?

[booboo]

1 hour ago, rolypoly said:

. If I can send them a link, in the privacy of their home they might just watch it.

This made me think that maybe ask first of the BOE if giving out the link is permissible.  I see in some other posts that there maybe a only certain number of people that can link in from separate locations.  

[Shawnster]

• Governor of Ohio just banned indoor gatherings of 100 people or larger.  
• Schools will be closed effective end of the day Monday until April 3.
• Since the infection takes 2 weeks to present, the numbers today are really what it was like 2 weeks ago.
• It is believed 1% of Ohio's population, or 100,000 people are already infected.
• It is expected that 40% of the US population will contract the virus.

 

https://www.wksu.org/post/fifth-case-covid-19-confirmed-trumbull-county-schools-close-three-weeks

 

Quote

 

Acton also signed an order that bans mass gatherings in the state, which means a crowd of more than 100 people in close proximity. This includes parades, fairs, festivals, theaters, gyms and arenas. Grocery stores, schools, airports and train stations are not included. It also doesn't include athletic events that prohibit spectators, athletes' families or the media.  "The actions we are taking now will save lives," Acton said. She also added that nearly 40% of the U.S. is expected to contract COVID-19. Acton said health officials know at least 1% of Ohio's population is carrying the disease — around 100,000 people.  DeWine also covered concerns about Ohio's March 17 primary amid the coronavirus outbreak.He encouraged Ohioans to vote early and go to their respective county board of elections. Voting doesn't meet the definition of a mass gathering and will go on as planned. 

 

As for schools, DeWine said children can carry the disease, which is why classes will be suspended. Schools will get an extended spring break starting Monday and will close for three weeks, through at least April 3. 

 

 

Edited March 12, 2020 by Shawnster

[AH173]

3 minutes ago, Shawnster said:

Governor of Ohio just banned indoor gatherings of 100 people or larger.  

Schools will be closed effective end of the day Monday until April 3.

Since the infection takes 2 weeks to present, the numbers today are really what it was like 2 weeks ago.

It is believed 1% of Ohio's population, or 100,000 people are already infected.

It is expected that 40% of the US population will contract the virus.

My wife who just came in from shopping mentioned about the school situation. It's unbelievable.