The diocese is
closing monitoring any updates regarding COVID-19. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone across the world who are affected by the Pandemic.

What is Coronavirus: COVID-19
The virus is thought to spread primarily from person to person, within six feet of proximity. Respiratory droplets are spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs. They land in the mouths or noses of others, and then are inhaled into their lungs. Although not thought to be the primary way, it may be possible to become infected by touching your mouth, nose or eyes after touching a surface that has the virus. Currently, there is no evidence that the virus is transmitted through food, but the normal safety practice of washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before handling food should be observed. According to the CDC, coronaviruses generally have poor survivability on surfaces, so there is low risk that the virus will spread from food products or packaging shipped over a period of days or weeks at room temperature or below.

Symptoms to Watch:
The CDC website,  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html, provides extensive information about COVID-19 and the response of health professionals around the world.  Public awareness of the symptoms and how to report suspected cases is essential in mitigating the spread of the virus. COVID-19 can cause mild symptoms in some people but severe illness and death for others.
  The following symptoms may appear  2-14 days after exposure.^*

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Prevention: 
 

Since a vaccine or drug is not currently available for preventing or treating COVID-19, the CDC recommends that individuals take action to prevent the spread of the disease. The CDC offers the following guidance:

Practice everyday preventive actions now. Remind everyone in your household of the importance of practicing everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:

• avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
• stay home when you are sick except to get medical care;
• cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash;
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe;
• and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap is not available, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

It is important to remember, if you are sick, you are not obligated to attend Mass, school or church activities.  If you or your child have symptoms of respiratory illness stay at home until you or your child is free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C], or greater using an oral thermometer), or any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants).

At this time, it is the discretion of the parish pastor to enact certain measures in the event of concerns about an outbreak, including:

• Temporarily suspending the distribution of the Precious Blood, knowing that one receives the fullness of the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the Consecrated Host.
• Temporarily suspending the distribution of Holy Communion on the tongue.
• Temporarily suspending a physical sign of peace, such as a handshake or a hug, inviting parishioners instead to bow one’s head as they offer peace to those around them.
• Canceling social events or other measures as necessary

Diocese of Las Cruces Guidelines 

Helpful Links

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
CDC Connects and Prepares Communities
USCCB Catholic Response to the Outbreak of Coronavirus