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The fall school session ramped up this week from kindergarten to graduate school with varied combinations of distance learning via the Internet sometimes augmented by on-campus classes and even residence.
For an idea of how the coronavirus pandemic has altered college life, read Matthew Griffin’s article for the Duke Chronicle on the new COVID-19 policies at UMC-related Duke University in Durham, N.C. In addition to the now-standard protocols of face masks, physical distancing and frequent handwashing, Mr. Griffin writes that Duke has instituted a public health monitoring system:
“All students have to be tested upon returning to campus, whether living in Duke housing or off campus, and must sequester at their residence until they receive their results. Students in Duke housing, graduate students who come to campus for class or work, and faculty and staff who frequently interact with students will be subject to pool testing throughout the semester to monitor for cases of the virus.
“Students living in the Durham area and faculty and staff who regularly visit campus have to complete a daily symptom-monitoring survey on an app called SymMon. Community members also have to comply with contact tracing efforts.”
These protocols may sound draconian, but they reflect the views of Duke administration and most other college leaders that COVID-19 must be taken seriously. Like schools, colleges and universities, churches are high on the list of “super spreader” environments where in-person events require careful conduct. That’s the only way, barring an effective vaccine, that we’re going to successfully reduce the numbers of people infected and dying from COVID-19.
Create a “re-engagement” plan
Similar to new practices at schools, churches should be preparing plans to re-engage their members as soon as coronavirus restrictions are eased, says Discipleship Ministries. The United Methodist agency suggests its “See All the People” curriculum for making disciples is a good place to start.
More COVID-19 records shattered
The United States broke another set of coronavirus records Aug. 12 when 1,468 new deaths and 53,758 new coronavirus cases were recorded, according to The Guardian’s U.S. edition.
So much for the idea that the virus would wane in the summertime, as influenza typically does.
Media Mentions as of Aug. 13, 2020
Judge refuses to shut Ventura County church that has defied COVID-19 health order – Los Angeles Times *
Across faiths, pandemic alters worship, rites – The Associated Press
* Paid subscription required.
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.