By Lynell Morgan
Co-Publisher
Students, businesses and the general population across the United States – and countries all around the world – have seen their “business as usual” turned upside-down as the Coronavirus/Covid 19 pandemic sweeps around the globe.
Daily, we hear the drill over the radio, television, online and on social media: self-quarantine if you think you’ve been exposed to the virus, wash your hands with soapy hot water, avoid group events, etc. The latest suggestion from public officials is to restrict public gatherings to ten people or less.
Our safe corner of the world, Elgin, is listening and responding to the guidance and suggestions being made from health and other officials. Last week and especially this Monday, The Elgin Review was overcome by a blizzard of visits, phone calls and messages concerning postponements, cancellations, offices closing and questions about events and businesses.
Churches
A number – if not all – churches have temporarily suspended services. The Omaha Archdiocese issued a press release late Monday evening concerning area Catholic churches: “The CDC and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts are recommending the cancellation of public assemblies with 10 or more people. Effective immediately, all public Masses and communal celebrations of the Sacraments or other liturgies are indefinitely suspended.”
Rev. Dr. Becky McNeil told The Elgin Review on Tuesday that Park Congregational U.C.C. Church has also heeded the calls to suspend gatherings. “With the new directives not to gather in groups of ten or more, we made the decision this morning to suspend our worship services and all other gatherings through the end of March and we’ll re-evaluate the situation then,” she said. She said they plan to use technology to continue fellowship among their members. “In the meantime we are looking into ways to gather on Sunday morning at 9:15 by conference call to share scripture, a devotion and prayers along with catching up with each other”.