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N ALL ASSEMBLIES Dealing with Contagious Diseases

Dear Brothers, Recently, some have expressed concern that the Corona virus could affect our fraternity. It remains to be seen whether there will actually be a significant outbreak of this virus. In any case, this letter serves to provide you with spiritual and practical guidance in the event of a sudden increase in infectious diseases in your environment. What practical steps can I take to protect myself and others in the congregation? We can demonstrate “practical wisdom” by implementing simple suggestions (Prov. 3:21). Experts recommend that the best steps you can take yourself are to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, to avoid visiting crowded places and to keep coughing and sneezing etiquette and a sufficient distance from the sick. Since it is not possible to tell whether someone has already been infected, it is advisable to avoid normal greetings, such as shaking hands or hugs, in acute infection periods. Also, you shouldn't touch your mouth, nose or eyes unnecessarily with your hands. If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or breathing problems, please do not hesitate to consult a doctor immediately. It is beneficial for publishers to follow the current warnings from the authorities and to read the articles mentioned in our publications on the subject. You can find examples of this in the following issues of Erwachet !: No. 6 2016, pages 4-6; June 2015, pages 3-5, and June 22, 1989, pages 18-21. The corona virus can spread through human-to-human transmission. In Philippians 2: 4 it says: “Do not only have your own interests in mind, but also those of others.” If you therefore suffer from flu-like symptoms, it is best at the very early stages to limit your contact with others and thereby them to protect against a possible infection. If a publisher had symptoms of illness, he would undoubtedly take good advice to avoid close contact with other brothers in the period when he could infect others with the virus (John 13:35). Persons who have been in a risk area designated by the authorities should avoid unnecessary contacts - even if they have no signs of illness - and stay at home if possible. Elders should help these people take full advantage of alternative gathering arrangements. How will it affect my assembly activities if a widespread outbreak of the virus occurs in my area? It is certainly appropriate to take the current situation seriously. At the same time, however, we should not overreact or panic, thereby putting our mental routine at risk. Arrangements for the gatherings of the congregation and the field service may need to be adjusted to shorten travel distances or overflow

in order to be able to correctly assess the situation on site and to organize the meetings and the field service accordingly. Jehovah's people have a clear understanding of the events that occur deep in the time of the end, and that helps us act sensibly. The characteristics of the sign that Jesus gave for the last few days and that was recorded for us in Luke 21:11 also include epidemics. These events therefore strengthen our hope and belief that the new system of things is getting closer (Luke 21:31). In these turbulent times, we pray that Jehovah will continue to take care of you (1 Pet. 5: 6, 7). Your brothers, D .: Kreisaufseher

PS for the Kreisaufseher: If you have a Kreiskongress this weekend, we ask you to have this letter read in the morning. Thank you very much. PS for the coordinator of the body of elders: Please have this letter read to the assembly at the first meeting after receipt. The letter must then be posted on the notice board for a month

