Flu & Other Infectious Diseases

To slow the spread of COVID, avoid:

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Protect yourself and your loved ones with an updated COVID vaccine. Updated vaccines protect against both the original COVID virus and the current Omicron strain.

Find updated COVID vaccines at vaccines.gov.#WeCanDoThis 

If you’ve already had COVID, it’s especially important for you to get an updated vaccine to reduce your risk of Long COVID. 
 

3/7/24: New COVID Guidance from the CDC

On March 1, the CDC updated its guidance for preventing the spread of respiratory viruses, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. Don’t forget, while the flu and RSV tend to be seasonal, COVID (so far) comes and goes all year. The full guidelines can be found here (https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance/respiratory-virus-guidance.html), and are worth a review.

Preventing respiratory viruses includes (1) staying up to date with vaccination to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible; (2) practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces; and (3) taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors. A summary graphic (https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/downloads/RVG-Summary-Graphic-508.pdf) is available.

Of particular note are new recommendations (a two-phase approach) regarding isolation when you’re sick:

PHASE 1: First of all, stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you’re sick with a respiratory virus (symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others). You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true: (1) your symptoms are getting better overall, and (2) you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). “What does symptoms improving mean? CDC doesn’t define it, but some local health departments do: It’s when ‘a person no longer feels ill; they can do their daily routine just as they did before they were ill, and any remaining symptoms, such as a cough or runny nose, are very mild, or infrequent’ ” (https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/cdc-updates-isolation-guidance).

PHASE 2: However, if you do go back, take precautions for the next 5 days; you are likely still contagious (but less so). For example: wear a mask; keep social distancing; get tested for COVID before visiting someone who is at high risk for serious disease (the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, etc.); make sure to wash your hands and cover your mouth/nose when coughing/sneezing; take extra steps to make sure the air at home or work is as clean as possible. If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, start over!

10/26/23

Happy Fall... and the start of the 2023-2024 winter respiratory virus season!

Fall is beutiful, but cooler weather also means increased exposure to respiratory illnesses caused by flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19.

Here's updated information to help keep us safe and healthy as we make our way through fall and winter:

• Flu | CDC
• RSV | CDC
• COVID-19 | CDC
• Respiratory Virus Prevention Toolkit | CDPH       
• Immunization Messaging in Spanish - Mensajes: vacunación

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR NEW WEBPAGE

Re-Opening Churches in the Diocese of Davenport

Policy effective 3/1/22
-En Español

COVID-19 Guidance from the CDC (9/27/22)

• Prevention
• Masking Guidance based on Community Level by County
• Other Specific Information:
  • Vaccines
  • What to do if exposed to COVID
  • Isolation if + test and/or sick
  • Ventilation (home)
    • Schools
    • Other Buildings
  • What activities are more risky?
  • Types of Masks and Respirators
  • Testing
    • `FDA: When does my test kit really expire?

Please see our PRAYER and SUPPORT webpage.

This relaxation of restrictions does not indicate the end of the pandemic.  We will continue to be attentive to all developments of the virus and its spread and will act accordingly.  Let us continue to pray for those who have lost lives, lost loved ones, and for our health care workers who have sacrificed so much for our well-being.  May God grant us health and healing. 

Click here.

NEW VARIANT: OMICRON

EFFECTIVE 10/27/21: Protocols Updated
Click here for a summary of Current Protocols as of 10/27/21.

EFFECTIVE 5/19/21: RE-OPENING STEP 3: Protocols Updated
Please click here for the updated policy on moving from Step 2 to Step 3 in reopening. 

POSTED 5/14/21: COVID-19 Protocols in the Diocese of Davenport - Moving from Step 2 to Step 3 for Reopening.
The following policy may be used in whole or in part starting this weekend, May 15-16, 2021.  The policy is effective starting Pentecost weekend, May 22-23, 2021.

EFFECTIVE 6/22/20: PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF THE LITURGY MAY RESUME

Press Release

Bishop Zinkula has determined that, effective Monday, June 22, the public celebration of the Mass and the other rites and sacraments may begin to take place in parish churches, in accord with our policies on Re-Opening Churches in the Diocese of Davenport.

EFFECTIVE 5/25/20: CHURCH BUILDINGS MAY RE-OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER

Press Release
>Spanish version (en español) 

Church buildings may re-open for private prayer if a process of regular cleaning and disinfection can be maintained. Since the number of new COVID-19 cases, deaths, hospitalizations, and percentage of positive tests has begun to trend down, parishes may open their churches for private prayer, beginning the week of May 25, at the discretion of the pastor. Everyone must wear face protection. No more than ten people may be in the church at any one time. There is no public celebration of the Mass. The celebration outside of Mass of Baptisms, weddings, and funerals can include up to ten people. Adoration chapels remain closed.

EFFECTIVE 4/2/20: CHURCH BUILDINGS TO BE CLOSED

As the number of people with COVID-19 continues to rapidly rise in Iowa, we need to do more to help people maintain safe distancing recommendations to slow the spread of the virus.  All church buildings in the Diocese are to be closed to public access as soon as possible and no later than 8am Monday morning.  Parish offices may remain open as determined by the pastor or parish life coordinator.  Baptisms, weddings and funerals, all outside of Mass, can continue with the minimum number of people involved: child to be baptized, parents, Godparents and cleric for baptism; bride, groom, 2 witnesses and cleric for weddings; and no more than 10 gathered for funerals.  For the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, call a priest in advance to arrange a time and place to meet that offers safe distancing.

EFFECTIVE 3/17/20
 
We do not take the following steps lightly, especially the cancellation of almost all public worship within the diocese. The sacraments, and especially the Eucharist, lie at the heart of who we are as Catholics. But the common good calls us to make this sacrifice. It is clear from accounts from around the world that urgent action is needed if we are to avoid overwhelming our health care system. Our prayer is that this form of Lenten fasting will put us in deeper solidarity with those going with so much less, with those who will be—and are being—severely affected by this outbreak.
 
It is impossible to foresee how long these restrictions will be in place. The CDC recently recommended that large group gatherings be suspended for at least the next eight weeks. Governor Reynolds has ordered that no meeting of more than 10 people take place; this order is in effect until March 31. 
 
This is a list of the key changes being made to church life, until further notice:  

• All public celebrations of the Mass (and all other public liturgies or devotions) are to be cancelled.
  • Baptisms, weddings, and funerals may be celebrated with immediate family members only.
  • Individual Confession and Anointing of the Sick may be celebrated.
• All Catholics in the Diocese of Davenport are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
• If you are sick, or if you are caring for someone who is sick, please stay home.
  • Those who are 60 years of age or older, and those with underlying health conditions, should stay at home and avoid all gatherings or other situations of potential exposure.
• All large group meetings, conferences, retreats and the like in the diocese are to be cancelled.
• All faith formation classes and activities are to be cancelled (use electronic formats if possible).
• Small office meetings may take place if essential, but it is preferable to meet electronically.
  • Encourage staff, especially those at risk for severe illness, to telework (when feasible).
  • Limit non-essential work travel.
• All Catholic schools will be closed, at least until April 13. All extracurricular events are to be cancelled.
  • Further guidance will be forthcoming from the Office of the Superintendent.

The CDC does not recommend face masks for general use. Those who show symptoms of COVID-19 should wear a mask to protect others. Those caring for folks with the illness should also wear them. Most importantly, the usual ways to prevent viral infections like the flu and COVID-19 should be stressed:

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water (or an alcohol-based gel)
• Avoiding close contact with those who are sick (and if you’re sick, seek care and stay away from others; it is good to remember that illness dispenses from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass)
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; use a tissue and throw it away right away—and wash your hands; if you don’t have a tissue, use the crook of your elbow
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces by using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Please check here regularly for updates. 

LINKS:
With information changing so quickly, only the homepages of these agencies are given here. Click on the links to find specific information regarding such issues as travel, home isolation, and advice for homes, schools, and places of work.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 
-One-Stop Shop Toolkits

Iowa COVID-19 Website

Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH)
>Resources in languages other than English

Illinois DPH

CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy)

World Health Organization (WHO)
 

GENERAL RESOURCES:

• CDC Influenza Homepage
• "Take 3" Brochure
• Seasonal Flu Q&A
• Print Materials from CDC 
  - general information, specific advice for high-risk groups, resources in Spanish and other languages
• Facts about Influenza

>Getting Ready
     -individuals and households
     -educational settings
     -workplaces
     -event planners
     -faith-based / community organizations
     -health communicators

>Checklists
     -workplaces
     -K-12 schools
     -childcare programs
     -event planners

FOR HOME & CHILD CARE CENTERS:

• Get Your Household Ready for Pandemic Flu (CDC)

• Child Care & Preschool Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist - from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

• Recommendations for Child Care Facilities - from the Iowa Department of Public Health

• Information for Schools and Childcare Providers (CDC)

• Flu Information for Parents

• Caring for Someone Sick at Home

• Kid's Guide to Handwashing (Univ. of Arizona College of Public Health)

FOR PARISHES

• Get Your Community- and Faith-Based Organizations Ready for Pandemic Flu

• Get Your School Ready for Pandemic Flu

• Dealing with Ill Students

• Flu and Schools - from the Iowa Department of Public Health

• Information for Schools and Childcare Providers (CDC)
  • Guidance for School Adminsitrators
  • Cleaning and Disinfecting Schools

• Flu Information for Parents (CDC)

• Kid's Guide to Handwashing (Univ. of Arizona College of Public Health)

• US Department of Education
  >Crisis planning (webpage) (PDF)

• Get Your Workplace Ready for Pandemic Flu

• Flu and the Workplace - from the Iowa Department of Public Health

• Flu Information for Workplaces - from the CDC

• Colleges & Universities Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist - from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (archived)