ASLC & COVID-19

updated 3/3/22

ASLC has moved to the yellow zone because community transmission is decreasing and because the new CDC guidelines have moved from preventing the spread of infection to preventing overload of our hospital systems. This does not mean that the pandemic is over or that there is no risk of contracting COVID-19.

Highlights

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (see below) or are feeling ill or just “not right”, stay home. Abstain from joining indoor worship services and other activities. Instead participate on Zoom or Facebook.
Talk to your doctor about your individual risk (high risk, immunocompromised, etc.) to determine when it is appropriate for you to participate in indoor activities with large groups and if you need to mask (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/community-levels.html)

Vaccinations

Vaccines offer optimal protection in managing your own personal risk and are foundational to controlling COVID-19 in our community. Talk to your doctor about your eligibility for a booster or third vaccine dose. If you are having a hard time accessing a vaccine or booster, please let the church office know and one of our volunteers will help. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html)

Symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html)

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, isolate and test.
COVID-19 Symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Call your doctor if you test positive or have symptoms to see if you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, PrEP & monoclonal antibodies. Early treatment improves outcomes.

Exposure

If you have been exposed to COVID and are vaccinated and boosted, you do not need to quarantine unless symptoms develop; but with or without symptoms, test 5 days after exposure (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html)

Testing

PCR tests are the most accurate but are only done by a doctor and it can take days to get results (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html)
Rapid tests are accurate if you have COVID and a high enough viral load for the test to detect it in your nasal passage (this can take 24-48 hours after symptom onset) and results only take 15 minutes (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing.html)
- Trust positive tests
- Be weary of negative tests: retest in 24-48 hours and stay away from indoor crowds until symptoms subside. If you must go out in public, wear an N95 or KN95 mask and avoid crowds.