Lebanon County Christian Ministries to continue normal operations, forming action plan as Coronavirus spreads

Photo: CDC.gov

​By Bryan D. Smith, Executive Director, Lebanon County Christian Ministries 

  Our current operations is a Level 1 – only change is enhanced cleaning of high/frequent touch points.
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​As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread and be in the news, we are confident it is not a matter of if the virus will end up in our community, but when it will end up in our community.

So, what is it that we can do as a ministry to continue to provide our much-needed services, but stay healthy and safe?

We have a few best practices we are going to ask our staff and volunteers to follow. If you take these steps, you will help keep yourself safe and help slow the spread of the virus. It is important to remember that these steps are basic practices we should follow every day.

 Some reminders (from the CDC):
1. Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity.
2. Some people are at increased risk of getting COVID-19. Specifically, elderly and immune compromised.
3. Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.
4. You can help stop or slow down the spread of COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms:
     a. Fever
     b. Cough
     c. Shortness of breath
5. There are simple things you can do the help yourself and others health.
   a. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food).
    b. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    c. Stay home when you are sick.
    d. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

What is LCCM doing?

  LCCM is currently establishing a plan, which will reference levels of operations. Each increase in number will result in additional controls being put into place at LCCM. While these have not been finalized, we will absolutely communicate our status via our Facebook, website, and physical postings on our building.

 These increased safety measures may include, but not be limited to; eliminating face-to-face interviews for services and use phone interviews; slow down or pause some services; transition noon meal from on site to take out; pause or modify TEFAP distribution; restrict access to the building and/or pause using the lobby as a “hang out” location by our guests.

  Our priorities through this challenging time are to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our community in regard to food insecurity, social capital, emergency housing, and a social resources hub. We also will be committed to the safety of our team, guests, and volunteers.

  Our current operations is a Level 1 – only change is enhanced cleaning of high/frequent touch points.

  We have also been in communication with the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services and will continue to do so. They have launched a website for county updates. 

  If you are a volunteer or lead a group of volunteers and have a concern, please reach out to Bryan Smith directly at 717-272-4400 x 210 or by email at [email protected].

Learn more about the Coronavirus