Posted March 12, 2020 in Articles
Dear Friends of Jesuit Retreat Center,
The health and safety of the guests, retreatants, and staff of the Jesuit Retreat Center are of primary concern. We want you to be aware of the steps we are taking in light of the current situation with Coronavirus and the COVID-19 respiratory disease. As of today, the Jesuit Retreat Center remains open and we are working with all of our partners in planning for their upcoming retreats, as well as potential contingency plans.
This week our housekeeping and maintenance staff completed a deep clean of our facility, wiping down all surfaces with disinfectant. We are paying special attention to those areas of the building such as doors, bathrooms, kitchen and dining room to ensure high sanitary standards. We will continue with regular sanitizing, especially in high traffic areas. Hand sanitizer is available and all bathrooms and sinks are equipped with anti-bacterial soap.
We have instituted the Diocese of Cleveland policy for liturgical practice in our chapels and for liturgy. Holy water has been removed from the fonts, the common chalice has been temporarily discontinued, and we are encouraging groups to find alternate ways to “pass the peace.” This diocesan policy is also posted in each chapel.
We are monitoring communications, recommendations and directives from the Diocese of Cleveland, and local, Ohio, and Federal Health Departments. Please visit the CDC website for updates and information about the Coronavirus and the COVID-19 disease: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html
The CDC recommendations are well worth following for all of us:
Recommendations include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; using the restroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
- Stay at home if you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- We encourage those who are feeling unwell or who suspect they may have been in contact with someone who has the virus to avoid attending any JRC retreats or programs in the immediate future.
Please expect additional communications from us in the midst of this rapidly developing situation.
Those of us at the Jesuit Retreat Center are holding all of those who have been impacted by this virus and disease in our daily prayer.
We also encourage all to approach these times with responsible action guided by firm hope based on our Christian faith and not be overwhelmed by fear.
Rick Krivanka
Executive Director
Bill Hobbs, EdD
Associate Director