DEFINITIONS:
Infection:
Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic micro-organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi; the diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases of animals that can cause disease when transmitted to humans.
Source - World Health Organisation
The invasion and multiplication of micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body may cause no symptoms and be subclinical, or it may cause symptoms and be clinically apparent. An infection may remain localized, or it may spread through the blood or lymphatic vessels to become systemic (body wide). Micro-organisms that live naturally in the body are not considered infections. For example, bacteria that normally live within the mouth and intestine are not infections.
Source - MediciNet
Epidemic:
Definition - A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time. It can also refer to the appearance of a significant number of cases of an infectious disease in a region or population that is usually free from that disease.
Source - International Federation of Red CrossDefinition - A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a disease.
Source - World Health Organisation
Resources:
These guidelines and policies apply to:
- Church attendees
- Volunteers
- Employees
- Board Members/Elders etc
- Officers
- Contractors
- Suppliers
- Consultants
They are to ensure the containment of the infection for the safety of those nominated and the public.
Philippians 2:4 NIV
not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
The COVID-19 Information Sheet specifically addresses the COVID-19 virus and is for the benefit of those nominated and for organisations to display in their facility.
The Infection_Epidemic_Pandemic-Guideline_Policy addresses all likely infection scanerios and is to assist those nominated and organisations to respond to ensure the safety of all.
Disclaimer: infections, epidemics and pandemics are serious matters and should be responded to in a professional and informed manner. This guideline was compiled by CCCVAT MINISTRIES LTD from a variety of reputable sources. CCCVAT MINISTRIES LTD has no expertise relevant to this topic and accordingly the user of this guide should refer to the links and other sources of information to ensure your organisation is thoroughly informed before it responds to any infection, epidemic or pandemic. CCCVAT MINISTRIES LTD does not accept any liability for the information presented in this guideline.