The Corona Virus (COVID-19) is gaining attention worldwide

Due to the recent news reports and stories bringing awareness to the coronavirus we thought it would be good to address our stance and share our plan of preparedness in light of this global health issue.

I will reference directly two main sources, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, as well as World Health Organization, both of which we trust and have followed for over 16 years in our travels to Central, and South America as well as to Thailand, Haiti, Colombia, Mexico, & Europe. There are other trusted sources and media outlets I have gained insight from which may not have direct attribution.

What is Corona Virus?

Coronavirus specifically, COVID-19, is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered human coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Where is Corona Virus?

While the origin of the virus is China, there are now cases of the COVID-19 virus in several countries around the world, including the U.S.

Should I avoid traveling?

Our recommendation is that travelers should stay informed about the virus as well as all other travel related concerns and consult their local health provider and trusted travel authorities when booking travel.

It is prudent for travelers who are sick to delay or avoid travel to affected areas, in particular for elderly travelers and people with chronic diseases or underlying health conditions.
General recommendations for personal hygiene, cough etiquette and keeping a distance of at least one metre from persons showing symptoms remain particularly important for all travelers.

**Wash your hands frequently**

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
**Why?** Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
**Source**: World Health Organization

Perform hand hygiene frequently, particularly after contact with respiratory secretions. Hand hygiene includes either cleaning hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub. Alcohol-based hand rubs are preferred if hands are not visibly soiled; wash hands with soap and water when they are visibly soiled;
Cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or paper tissue when coughing or sneezing and disposing immediately of the tissue and performing hand hygiene;
Refrain from touching mouth and nose;
Source: World Health Organization

Connect Global’s Specific Plan

Connect Global has traveled to Central and South America since 2004. Since then we have constantly monitored global as well as regional news outlets, and both U.S. & localized State Department level information on all issues that would be of concern to our staff, partners, team members, and those we serve. To that end, we have been closely watching and learning as much as we can about the most recent concerns about this novel Coronavirus, COVID-19. At this time Connect Global does not feel the need to alter any of our Summer Mission trips, church visits, or network gatherings.

This is an ever evolving situation and we at Connect Global are mindful of the concerns that many share worldwide. We have always encouraged our staff and team members to follow both local and worldwide health standards for cleanliness and we are making sure to continue doing so with increased diligence in hand washing, sanitation, hygiene, and food prep.

We have many combined years of experience in worldwide travel including knowledge of current and evolving airline protocol, and we are working closely with our partners & trusted sources to gain as great of an understanding as possible in this ever changing situation.