HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTICE REGARDING CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 FOR CATALYST CHURCH

(Last updated: 19 March 2020 - 10am)


A Message from the Board of Catalyst Church


Dear Friends,

We want to update you on Catalyst Church’s response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and the steps that we are taking.


We are closely monitoring advice from the Australian Government and Department of Health and following this advice. As advice from these trusted sources change and in conjuction with advice from medical professionals within our church, we will reflect these changes in our policies and in this notice. An up to date copy of this notice will be maintained at www.catalystchurch.com.au.


After much deliberation and consultation with medical professionals and our board, we have decided to cease gathering corporately for Sunday services whilst the risk of contagion remains high. We will however continue to stream our 10:30am Sunday services so that the service may be viewed from home via our Catalyst page on Facebook/Youtube until otherwise advised.


When services recommence the following measures have been implemented:

  • We will continue to do all that we can to ensure that the campus, auditorium, Foundry and offices are maintained at the highest level of cleanliness and hygiene and are seeking to obtain hand sanitizers which will be made readily accessible. We do currently have anti-bacterial hand wipes at all exits and hand cleaning signs clearly highlighting good hygiene practices.
  • We have changed our communion procedures and will continue to monitor how we deliver communion until the risk from Coronavirus has subsided.
  • We will be using disposable gloves and spraying downs surfaces and door handles regularly with anti-bacterial spray and wipes.
  • What we ask of you in considering any gathering into the future, is that:
  • If you or your child are feeling unwell in particular if you have cold or flu like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat etc.), please do not attend any church activity such as church services or gatherings including youth, kids, small groups or other church activity until you are well again. Please stay home and rest, seek medical attention where required.
  • If you have travelled from overseas within the last 14 days, please do not attend services.
  • If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, you should have already received medical attention and been instructed to be in home isolation and not attend.
  • If you have a COVID-19 test result pending, please do not attend.
  • We ask that you please practice good hygiene by frequently washing your hands with either soap or hand sanitiser.
  • If you cough or sneeze, please turn so that you are not facing anyone and do so into a handkerchief or tissue which you then promptly dispose of in a safe manner.
  • Please also restrict hand to hand contact at gatherings and use sensible precautions when in closer proximity to others. We recommend that you don’t handshake or hug during this season.
  • Parents, if your children are unwell, please keep them home. Any child who falls ill (fever, cough, runny nose) during a program will be required to be collected promptly.
  • If you feel that you are vulnerable (eg. Low immunity) in this season we would suggest avoiding church activities
  • We must all take the Coronavirus pandemic seriously as it’s a serious global crisis with wide reaching effects. It’s important that we must all do what we can to slow it’s spread as well as minimising the risks to ourselves whilst at the same time ministering to those in need.


We can do this in a number of ways that include praying:

  • for those who are infected with the virus
  • that the virus will be slowed and its reach reduced
  • that an effective vaccine will soon be developed and made available
  • for the safety and strength of health workers  
  • for wisdom for our nation’s and state’s leaders
  • for the livelihoods of many whose jobs and businesses are being effected  

Other ways we can care for people include staying connected via phone and social media.

In the case of this who fall sick, cooking meals or helping with grocery shopping may be of great practical help, but please take care not to put yourself at risk if you do this. We recommend leaving the cooking or groceries near the front door and ensuring that direct contact does not take place.


Coronavirus Health Information Line

Call this line if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


Contact type:

Department of Health

Telephone:

1800 020 080


We pray that you will remain healthy and continue to let the love of Jesus shine through you in this season. If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact us on 07 3813 4999.


Love and blessings,


Carl Mutzelburg

Senior Pastor / President

Catalyst Church