Churches prepared to ban handshakes as coronavirus spreads

Some churches in Jamaica are getting ready to ban the shaking of hands as a method of preventing the possible spread of the coronavirus.

Dr Stevenson Samuels, pastor of the Escarpment Road New Testament told THE WEEKEND STAR that "handshakes are way too risky".

"I'm thinking we have to discontinue these form of greetings and find other ways," he said.

The new coronavirus, which originated in China, has killed more than 3,000 people across the world and has infected 95,000 in more than 80 countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the virus is easily spread between people who are in close contact with each other.

Samuels said said that his church has already taken steps to stem the spread of the virus, should it get to Jamaica.

"We have immediately instituted the presence of wipes at the ushers station, for anyone desiring to have access. We are also planning to engage the use of hand sanitizers, so sooner than later those will be installed," he said.

Period of prayer

Samuels also said that the church would have a 'virus talk' this weekend.

"A few health professionals from the church will be educating us about the virus and how to prevent it from circulating," he said. "We are also in a period of prayer and fasting at this time. This is an issue we are not only concerned about for Jamaica but the rest of the world."

Bishop Rowan Edwards, head of the Lighthouse Assembly Ministries of Jamaica, told THE WEEKEND STAR that the virus is a plague and the church is making all the necessary preparations to conquer it.

"We are telling the people that they need to be aware of their environment, make sure they practise good hygiene, don't put hands in the face, and as much as possible, be careful of hugging and shaking hands," he said.

Even though some churchgoers may have concerns for their health, given the way that worship normally takes place, Edwards said God's work will not be put on hold because of coronavirus.

Everett Brown, president of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, said that he has being using the information given by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to educate people about the importance of protecting themselves.

"We tell our people about the importance of avoiding contact through handshakes, washing hands and sanitising, because those are the precautionay measures being put out there," he said.

"We will have health officials coming in just to give out the general information about utilising the best practices where hygiene is concerned.