Corona Virus: Letter from Mission President

Dear Madrid Missionary Parents,

As you are aware, the corona virus is spreading across the globe and impacting many missions. In Europe, we have been monitoring its progress daily and coordinating proactive steps to protect our missionaries while continuing to share the gospel.

As recent as last week, the virus hit Italy where to date they have identified 169 cases and experienced 3 deaths. Today we were notified that a case has been identified on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands which is a part of our mission. The case seems to be isolated and the officials have acted quickly to curb its spread. That said, what was something off in the distance has now entered our mission boundaries so at this point,  we are being proactive and taking precautions to protect our missionaries while not creating a panic or impeding the work.

We wanted to share with you the note we sent to all our missionaries this morning so you are aware of what we are asking them to do. As mentioned in the note, things can change rapidly so we are continuing to monitor the situation closely and we are coordinating with Church officials in our European Area Offices and with the Missionary Department.

Our hope is that this information will not create concern but just the opposite. We have no missionaries who have are affected to date. All are healthy, happy and working extremely hard to bring the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Spain. By proactively urging caution and wisdom, we expect that to continue.

Thanks for sharing your amazing missionary with us. You would be amazed at what they are accomplishing and the dedication at which they go about sharing the gospel. Sister Bussey and I stand in awe of them every day!

Un abrazo fuerte!

Presidente Phil Bussey

Spain Madrid Mission

Dear missionaries,

We are beginning to see a rapid and somewhat unpredictable spread of the corona virus (COVID-19). The corona virus has hit Italy where there have been 169 cases reported and 3 deaths.  Only a few days ago this wasn’t considered a big deal, and no missionaries have been infected to date, now today it is a very big deal.  In fact, on the island of Tenerife a case has been identified and 1000 people have been quarantined. The lesson here is that things can change rapidly so be vigilant and be prepared! 

Here are the steps on how to avoid contact, the spread of the virus and how to be prepared should the virus hit your area. They are: 

1. Frequent and thorough HANDWASHING and the regular use of HAND SANITIZERS.  We are seeing supplies of this dwindle rapidly, so if you don’t have any hand sanitizer go to the pharmacy or grocery store today and buy some and start using it.

2. MAINTAIN A 72-HOUR SUPPLY OF FOOD, WATER, and NEEDED MEDICATIONS in your apartment. Try to save extra money on your personal cards for emergencies and have some cash on hand. In Italy once the virus was announced people panicked, ran to their grocery stores and bought everything on the shelves for fear they would be quarantined and not have food. To avoid this have your 72 hour supply. 

We as a mission will comply with local health authorities. If they require a quarantine the current timing is approximately 14-27 days. We hope this doesn’t happen, but the best way to avoid it is to be prepared, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer several times a day. Limit somewhat your physical limitations such as handshaking, hugs and for the sisters, besos. Help others around you to be safe as well.

You are blessed to be young and healthy. You are also on the Lord’s errand so you enjoy an added level of protection. This means you have lower risk for complications and serious illness should you contact the virus.  Help each other to follow the medical counsel received and maintain resistance through good nutrition, hydration and careful hygiene habits. 

Your continuous demonstration of faith and calmness will assist missionaries, members, and amigos to maintain confidence and avoid over-anxiety in times of uncertainty. Please use precautions and be wise while carrying forward the work.  So far all is well, but we need to be prepared, proactive and take care always. Please call Hna Turner with concerns.   

Queridos Misioneros, 

                                                                                                                                                                                            Estamos comenzando a ver una propagación rápida y algo impredecible del virus corona (COVID-19). El virus corona ha afectado a Italia, donde se han reportado 169 casos y 3 muertes. Hace solo unos días, esto no se consideraba un gran problema, y ​​ningún misionero ha sido infectado hasta la fecha, ahora hoy es un gran problema. De hecho, en la isla de Tenerife se identificó un caso y se puso en cuarentena a 1000 personas. La lección aquí es que las cosas pueden cambiar rápidamente, ¡así que mantente alerta y preparase!                                          

Estos son los pasos sobre cómo evitar el contacto, la propagación del virus y cómo prepararse si el virus llega a su área.                                      

Son:1. LAVANDO LOS MANOS frecuente y el uso regular de DESINFECTANTES DE MANOS. Estamos viendo que los suministros de esta mengua disminuyen rápidamente, por lo que si no tiene desinfectante para manos, vaya a la farmacia o al supermercado hoy, compre algunos y comience a usarlo.     

                                                                                                                                                                                   2. MANTENGA 72 HORAS DE ALIMENTOS, AGUA Y MEDICAMENTOS NECESARIOS en su piso. Intente ahorrar dinero extra en sus tarjetas personales para emergencias y tenga algo de efectivo a mano. En Italia, una vez que se anunció el virus, la gente entró en pánico, corrió a sus tiendas y compró todo por temor a que estuvieran en cuarentena y no tuvieran comida. Para evitar esto, tenga su suministro de 72 horas.         

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Nosotros, como misión, cumpliremos con las autoridades sanitarias locales. Si requieren una cuarentena, el tiempo actual es de aproximadamente 14-27 días. Esperamos que esto no suceda, pero la mejor manera de evitarlo es estar preparado, lavarse las manos con frecuencia y usar desinfectante para manos varias veces al día. Limite un poco sus limitaciones físicas, como el apretón de manos, abrazos y besos para las hermanas. Ayude a otros a su alrededor a estar seguros también.

                                                                                                

Tiene la bendición de ser joven y saludable. También está haciendo el encargo del Señor, por lo que disfruta de un nivel adicional de protección. Esto significa que tiene un menor riesgo de complicaciones y enfermedades graves si contacta al virus. Ayudarse mutuamente para seguir el consejo médico recibido y mantener la resistencia a través de una buena nutrición, hidratación y hábitos de higiene cuidadosos.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                               Su continua demostración de fe y tranquilidad ayudará a los misioneros, miembros y amigos a mantener la confianza y evitar el exceso de ansiedad en tiempos de incertidumbre. Por favor, tome precauciones y sea prudente mientras realiza el trabajo. Hasta ahora todo está bien, pero debemos estar preparados, ser proactivos y tener cuidado siempre. Por favor llame a Hna Turner con inquietudes.                       

Gracias,                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Presidente Bussey