Letter to Faith-Based Communities

Dear Faith Based Community

The Marion County Public Health Department has been working diligently in recent weeks to help prepare our community for a potential response to novel coronavirus disease 2019, (COVID-19).

As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the community, the Marion County Public Health Department has issued interim guidance for the faith-based organizations. This interim guidance is to help these organizations whose members may include populations at higher risk for complications if infected, plan for community transmission of COVID-19.

COVID-19 could last for weeks or even months in your community. Depending on the severity of the outbreak, public health officials may recommend community action to reduce spread.
The health department recommends having a good contingency plan in place and developing flexible policies and procedures to accommodate public health recommendations to help reduce infection.

Attached you will find recommendations for churches, temples, mosque and synagogue. These recommendations were developed by Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health on behalf of the Marion County Public Health Department.

Sincerely,

Virginia A. Caine, MD
Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Marion County Public Health Department