DAVAO EPISCOPAL AREA

Philippines Central Conference

The United Methodist CHURCH BISHOP RODOLFO A. JUAN
Resident Bishop

DEA Bishop’s Office, Spottswood Methodist Center, Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City, Cotabato, Philippines 9400
Tel: (6364) 572-7331 / 0926-0394241 / 0977-8148786 / 0942-4818766 Email Address: dea.umc@gmail.com FB: DEA New Hope

AN EPISCOPAL ANNOUNCEMENT ON COVID-19

Blessed day, DEA Family! Kumusta kayo? I trust that, by His grace, everyone is coping up
in the midst of these trying times!

In the light of the latest developments pertaining to the continuing spread of COVID-19,
may I earnestly urge you all to PRAY for God's protection upon everyone and His timely
intervention that this menace be Stopped!!

Of course, let us be careful! Sundin natin ang tagubilin ng DOH at WHO. For this matter, I
would like to reiterate the following:
1) Let us BOOST AND KEEP our IMMUNE SYSTEM strong. Let’s practice a healthy
lifestyle by eating well-balanced meals, drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily,
sleeping between 7-9 hours, having enough exercise, and keeping our quiet time
with our Maker and doing our Journaling!
2) WASH our HANDS PROPERLY USING SOAP AND WATER. Scientists and medical
professionals have established that the protective layer of the virus gets destroyed
by simple but proper handwashing.
3) If we don’t have access to facilities for handwashing, we must use alcohol that is at
least 70% strength to disinfect our hands before we touch any part of our face.
Studies revealed that a person touches her/his face more than 16 times an hour! The
virus, which is spread through respiratory droplets (and not airborne —as studies, so
far, have not found any evidence to support this), that enter our system when we
accidentally or unconsciously touch these droplets and we touch areas near our
mouth, nose, and eyes.
4) If you have cough, colds, a fever, or if are not generally feeling well, STAY AT HOME
and REST. Drink plenty of fluids and manage your sickness. Just like any other virus-
induced sickness, it is NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO RECOVER from COVID-19. Cases have so
far shown that those whose health are compromised (especially the elderly, and
those who have prior respiratory problems, have diabetes, heart condition, and
other serious or life-threatening medical issues) are the most at risk from COVID-19.
5) In relation to item #3 above, if you are especially concerned because of you have
caught a cough, cold, and/or a fever, VISIT THE NEAREST HOSPITAL TO GET TESTED
and get the proper medical care for your condition.

I am likewise, reminding everyone, that as social beings and being community-oriented,

some of the recommended methods for preventing the spread of the virus will be a drastic
change from what we have been used to. Despite this fact, I am strongly endorsing the
following:
6) Let us practice SOCIAL DISTANCING. This simply means taking seriously the
recommended minimum 1-meter distance from the next person. Let’s not take this
as a personal affront if somebody keeps her/his distance from you, especially if they
are your friends, colleagues and even family members.
7) Also in relation to social distancing is to refrain from going out of our homes if we do
not have any important errand to do outside. Let us also REFRAIN FROM VISITING
PLACES WITH HIGH CONCENTRATION OF PEOPLE like, malls, parks, mass
gatherings, and the like.
8) I appeal to our local church leaders —both clergy and laity— to START PREPARING
YOUR CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR ANY POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO PUBLIC WORSHIP.
While we pray that this plan will not need to be implemented, having this in place
NOW will mitigate any further disruption in our practice of common worship. An idea
would be to use available technology as an alternative, i.e., Facebook Live, pre-
recording sermons/messages, etc. DSes and Local pastors, please exercise your best
judgement in the conduct of Sunday Worship and other services; whether to cancel
or hold these as usual.
9) For the meantime, let us REFRAIN from SHAKING HANDS with each other. We can
greet one another by PUTTING RIGHT HAND ON OUR LEFT BREAST AND BOW,
WITH A SMILE!
10) Let us voluntarily practice SELF QUARANTINE, not only when we don’t feel well, but
also WHEN WE HAVE VISITED A PLACE THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO HAVE CASE/S
OF COVID-19 INFECTION/TRANSMISSION.

Friends, these are very trying times in our communities and the whole world! Let us
Unite together, Pray fervently, and work in harmony to fight the Enemy! We will claim Victory in
the name of Christ, our Risen Lord! PADAYON!

GOD BLESS US ALL!

REGARDING OUR ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS FOR 2020: I have decided to

postpone the schedules for the Mindanao Philippines Annual Conference (MinPAC), Visayas
Philippines Annual Conference (VisPAC), and Bicol Philippines Annual Conference (BPAC), until
further advisement. Let us pray that by April 12 onwards, the threat of COVID-19 will already be
contained and that the schedules for East Mindanao Philippines Annual Conference (EMPAC)
and North West Mindanao Philippines Annual Conference (NWMinPAC) will push thru.

UNDER HIS WINGS,

BISHOP RODOLFO A. JUAN

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