For many religions this time of year is one of special observances. In view of the current concern about the possible spread of SARS in the community, the following questions and answers have been developed to assist both religious leaders and participants. It is important that anyone with a cough, sore throat, fever or other flu-like symptoms should not attend any public functions, including religious services. In particular, choir members who have coughs, sore throats or fevers should refrain from singing in the choir until their symptoms have passed.

SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. It is a potentially severe form of pneumonia, accompanied by a fever.

The symptoms of SARS begin within 10 days after direct contact with a SARS patient. They include any of the following :

• A severe headache
• Severe fatigue
• Muscle aches and pains
• Fever of more than 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath.

You should stay at home and away from large gatherings (religious observances, sporting events, conferences, the theatre, etc.) if you have a headache or general malaise that is unusual. This is especially true if this condition accompanied by a cough or sore throat.

If you are in quarantine, do not leave your home for the full 10 days of the quarantine. Contact your public health unit if you develop a fever of more than 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

SARS is spread through close human contact, and it is possible that SARS could be spread by touching such things as religious icons or Holy water. Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself from viral illnesses, including SARS. Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and water or cleansed using an alcohol-based hand rub. This should be done upon arriving at a religious gathering. It is recommended that religious congregations make alcohol-based rubs readily available for each religious gathering.

Serving utensils that touch the mouth, such as cups and spoons, should not be shared. It is recommended that food and drink be served as individual portions. Some denominations are curtailing these practices during the SARS outbreak.

The best way to prevent the spread of SARS is by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water or cleansing them with an alcohol-based hand rub. Some religious practices involve dipping into a common cup or bowl. A limited number of people should be designated to dip and subsequently serve the recipients. These people should first wash their hands or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub first. Likewise, a limited number of people should touch a consumed item, such as a loaf of bread. Such items may be divided into individual portions before serving. Only one set of hands should touch, prepare and serve the food.

Shaking hands, kissing and other forms of close contact between participants should be avoided. Hands should be thoroughly washed or cleansed with an alcohol-based hand rub after shaking hands and before touching your face or mouth.

It is possible that SARS could be spread by touching such things as religious icons or Holy water. After touching such objects, you should immediately disinfect your hands. It is recommended that alcohol-based hand rubs be placed close to these objects so that hands can be cleansed immediately. A clean environment is always extremely important and particular attention should be given to cleaning objects that are frequently handled.

You should :

• Remain at home in isolation for 10 days after your last exposure. Do not leave your house, and do not have anyone visit you at home.
• Spend as little time as possible in the same room as other people in your home.
• Avoid any direct contact with others in your home.
• Wear a mask any time you are in the same room as another member of your household. Change your mask according to manufacturer instructions. Family members do not have to wear a mask.
• If you have to help small children, wash your hands, wear a mask and consider wearing gloves as an extra precaution.
• Do not share personal items, such as towels, drinking cups, cutlery or toothbrushes. If you share a telephone, clean the receiver after use.
• Wash your hands frequently during the day.
• Sleep in a separate room from other members of your home. If this is not possible, sleep as far apart as possible.
• Measure your temperature with your own thermometer twice a day over the 10-day period. If you develop a temperature, call your local public health unit.
• Family members of healthy people who are in isolation do not need to stay home because there is no risk they can transmit SARS.

For more information about preventing the spread of SARS and the proper washing of hands see : Hand Washing

See also :

• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
• What should I do in isolation at home?
• Who should be in isolation at home?
• SARS - Questions and Answers
• SARS Assessment Clinics

April 2003