Dear WUU Community,
Yesterday, I wrote to share a comprehensive update on WUU responses to COVID-19. The situation continues to evolve, and I have some important news to share. Today, one of the members of the WUU choir tested positive for COVID-19. Two other choir folks have now been tested based on suspicious symptoms. It seems likely that participants in the March 4 choir rehearsal were exposed to the virus. Therefore, we’ve now asked everyone who was at that rehearsal to self-quarantine themselves for 14 days, to prevent the possibility of transmitting the virus to anyone else. I know this is not what any of us wants to hear. I ask that you hold our choir community in love and care.
Unfortunately, Austen and I also learned today that someone we were recently in close proximity to was exposed to COVID-19 and is now symptomatic, so we also have decided to self-quarantine ourselves until that person is tested. Austen and I are doing well and feeling fine, just a little surprised at this turn of events.
With these developments, there are three things we need you to know.
First, we ask all members of the WUU community to monitor your own health by taking your temperature twice a day, and contacting your doctor immediately if you should develop an elevated temperature. We don’t want to alarm anyone unduly, but this is a time for us all to attend to our own health, for our own sake as well as others whom we may be in contact with. And, of course, keep washing your hands!
Second, the WUU main building is now closed until further notice. We will be cleaning the building thoroughly and will let you know when it is safe for you to return.
Third, we hope you all can join us online tomorrow (Sunday) at 10 a.m. for a virtual gathering to talk about what’s going on and how we can keep our community safe. We’ve made the decision to let go of a formal worship hour tomorrow so that we can spend the whole time in conversation instead. WUU member Dr. Camilla Buchanan will be sharing information on how we can protect ourselves and each other during this time. If possible, please plan on joining in using the Zoom videoconferencing service (instructions below). We had planned to have the Livestream running as usual using our AV equipment onsite, but with the building now closed, we’re working on a Plan B. Our AV team hopes to have the Livestream back up tomorrow, but that is still iffy.
So: here again are the instructions for using Zoom. If you have any trouble connecting tomorrow morning, please email Dave Wilcox at dwilcox@vims.edu for troubleshooting assistance.
- You can join in the Zoom gathering using a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer (ideally with webcam and microphone), or regular phone.
- For smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers, click this link a little before 10 a.m. on Sundays: https://zoom.us/j/523214002 It’ll be the same link each week, and it will also be posted at https://wuu.org/. The first time you click on a Zoom link, it will prompt you to install a bit of software (for computers) or download an app (smartphones or tablets). Click here for a quick video to learn how it works.
- Or, if you’d like to join by phone, just dial 1-646-558-8656, a little before 10 a.m. You’ll hear a recorded voice asking you to enter the meeting ID, followed by the pound key. Please enter 523214002# and you should be connected.
Friends, this is a challenging time and I am so grateful for the spirit of care and helpfulness that permeates our congregation. We’ll continue to keep you informed as things evolve. Take care and let’s stay in touch!
With love and in faith,
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig