Press Release

Re: Forn Sidr of America’s Response to the COVID-19 Virus

Date: March 25, 2020

Forn Sidr of America values the health and safety of our followers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Polis of Colorado has called on all faith-based organizations to do their part in preventing the spread of this virus by providing up-to-date information and resources. As a startup Norse Heathen church headquartered in Colorado, we are prepared to answer this call to action by disseminating accurate and up-to-date information from reliable medical and government sources as we receive it.

We urge everyone to take this virus seriously. This is the time for solidarity and community caretaking by following the guidelines to help prevent the spread to our most vulnerable neighbors.

Below is the most up-to-date information and resources regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. We will update this information periodically as this is an evolving situation.

About COVID-19

COVID-19 is a new coronavirus infecting humans which entered the US in January 2019 and has infected over 300,000 people worldwide. The World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11, 2020.

What are the Symptoms

The symptoms may vary from person to person. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below or you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, call your doctor or ER before going in to prevent the spread of illness. It’s important to note that while this illness can be severe and require hospitalization, most individuals recover by resting, drinking plenty of liquids, and taking pain and fever-reducing medications. Important Note: If you have a fever and suspect you may have been exposed to COVID-19, avoid NSAIDs to treat the fever and choose Tylenol products instead.

Symptoms to watch out for are:

  • Fever

  • Dry cough

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fatigue

Prevent the Spread

COVID-19 is unique because a person with it can be contagious up to 14 days before symptoms develop. For this reason, it is important for everyone to take personal responsibility for their community’s health by doing their part to prevent the spread. Everyone can be a carrier and not everyone will develop symptoms.

Effective ways to reduce the spread to you, your loved ones, and your community:

  • Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash right after, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Clean surfaces in your home and personal items such as cell phones using regular household products.

  • Practice Social Distancing

Practicing Social Distancing:

  • Maintain at least 6ft of distance between yourself and others.

  • Reduce the number of times you go out to the store or to crowded areas as much as possible.

  • Work from home if possible and consider if there are ways to attend meetings by phone or online.

  • Stay connected with loved ones by phone and online.

  • Cancel in-person classes and attend online.

  • Avoid social gatherings, conferences, and other large events with lots of people.

  • Move business operations remotely where possible.

  • Do not share drinks, pipes, cigarettes, utensils, etc. outside of the home.

  • Postpone unnecessary travel.

  • Don’t shake hands but use alternative no-contact greetings.

  • Stay home if your sick and keep your children home if they are sick.

Who is at higher risk for COVID-19

Currently, there isn’t a lot of information about how COVID-19 will affect people with preexisting medical conditions. We do know that older adults, 65+, are at higher risk of getting COVID-19 and having more severe symptoms. Those with Asthma and preexisting respiratory conditions are also at higher risk.

Financial Support

Many are being financially impacted due to layoffs and business locations closing to prevent further spread of the virus. If you are impacted and need financial support, these resources are what’s currently available. We hope that states and federal agencies will begin to offer more relief in coming days.

COVID Financial Support and Assistance

An Important Reminder

It’s extremely important to mitigate stress during this time. It is normal to be scared, distressed, or angry when you hear about a disease outbreak, even when you are at a low risk of getting sick. Be careful not to turn fear and anger towards people who have become sick. Remember this virus is not attributed to a race, ethnicity, or nationality. We need solidarity and community action now. Kindness and compassion is most needed when it’s hardest.

Additional Resources

Colorado COVID-19 Website
https://covid19.colorado.gov/

The CDC website on the COVID-19 Virus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Johns Hopkins on the COVID-19 Virus
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus

Sources

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/timeline-coronavirus-started/story?id=69435165