As we make our final plans to attend the Feast of Tabernacles in New Braunfels, we are again in the midst of a COVID outbreak.  There are some things we can do to help mitigate the spread of the virus at services. The number one most important thing we can do is follow the biblical principle of quarantine when showing symptoms of contagious illness (Notice this principle in: Leviticus 13:50, Leviticus 46:13, Numbers 31:19…just to name a few ). The second would be to inform the anointing elder on duty of your illness as soon as possible. Third would be to confirm with either an over-the-counter test or at a med clinic, that you have COVID.  Not everyone needs to be tested. If we have a few positive tests, chances are high that others showing the same symptoms have COVID as well. Following these steps, will help us act quickly in the event of a COVID outbreak.

NOTIFY

There is no shame in getting COVID-19.  Many brethren have already contracted it, including many ministers.  I have personally contracted it and come through it. If you suspect that you may be getting sick at the Feast, then the best thing you can do is to notify the anointing elder on duty and get a COVID test as soon as possible. These can be purchased over the counter at HEB, CVS, and Walgreens. Communication and quarantine are critical to prevent a widespread infection at the Feast.

Stay At Your Room

COVID Delta is highly contagious. It can be dangerous for seniors and especially those with pre-existing health conditions.  If you have any symptoms of COVID, quarantine is critical.  Please stay in your room until you have confirmed you do not have COVID, or if it is confirmed not COVID, until you are no longer contagious with whatever illness you may have.  This new variant of COVID can start deceptively simple.

1. Exhaustion
2. Bad headache
3. Sore throat
4. Nagging cough
5. Or upset stomach.

The exhaustion that accompanies COVID is the most common symptom reported. You will usually have one of the other symptoms along with the exhaustion at the start. These can be the first symptoms that show in your body a day or two before any fever happens.   If you are showing any of these symptoms, especially if they are combined, then please quarantine, inform the elder on duty via phone, and get a COVID test if you are able. Having verification that we are seeing COVID cases in the congregation can help us make key decisions on how to proceed with local services.

Let's show love/concern for everyone at the Feast and in the community of New Braunfels by putting the health needs of others above our own desire to attend all of the services and activities.  By following biblical quarantine measures and notifying the elders quickly,  we can ensure that we are doing our part to avoid making the Feast a "Super Spreader" event.