Contact: Ron Keener, Editor, Church Executive, 800-541-2670 ext 204
MEDIA ADVISORY, Sept. 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- The H1N1 influenza is no Y2K scare of the turn-of-the-century computer catastrophe variety that was widely predicted, but proved baseless. Peter Livingston, executive pastor of Concord Baptist Church, Jefferson City, MO, says churches need to take steps against its spread, as reports nearly daily warn of the seriousness of H1N1, also known as swine flu.
"This disease is potentially very serious and we each should be disinfecting our facilities on a daily basis to minimize our facilities from becoming places of transmission," Livingston says. In making the warning, Livingston is taking off his church hat and speaking from his experience as a Registered EPA Pesticide Consultant.
He previously worked as CEO of an infection control research and development company whose early interests were in the area of viral influenza. "We invented and brought to market the first ever doctors office rapid flu test kit," he says. "I have spent a lot of years studying, planning and preparing for flu in the public health arena. Now I find my responsibilities are more local, but no less important."
Livingston explains the threat of the H1N1 flu virus and why churches should be concerned about even the taking of communion in an article appearing on the Web Exclusive section of Church Executive magazine, at www.ChurchExecutive.com. Church Executive is a business magazine for larger and mega churches and is available in print and digital versions by going to the Web site.
After describing the threat of H1N1, Livingston is quick to say that it is "not a foregone conclusion that we will have another pandemic" as occurred in 1918. "It is, however, a statement that the biology necessary for another flu pandemic is present and it is a possibility that the impact of this form of flu in the coming year could mirror 1918, and it is therefore reasonable for us to take steps at whatever level of responsibility we have to care for those who entrust a part of their lives to us," he says in the article.
Livingston goes on to share what churches can do to control infection, what it takes to disinfect surfaces, and dispels concerns that it takes too much time and money to take precautions for the safety of the congregation. At his own church of 1,100, they are treating the facility walls and counters after every day's activities, among other precautions he lists.
