Dr. Sherri Young, executive director and health officer of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, this week asked spiritual and religious leaders in Charleston and the Kanawha Valley to strongly consider alternative methods of worship this weekend and during the upcoming weeks. Young said the health department will reevaluate this recommendation.
“Many of us need to seek spiritual solace,” Young said. “I encourage all of you to seek alternative methods of worship to keep people from congregating and maintaining social distancing. That’s the most important thing people of faith can do to get us through this terrible pandemic.”
Young said Charleston and Kanawha Valley residents should be concerned about weddings and funerals. “It could be the happiest or saddest time of your life,” Young said. She called for keeping gatherings to an absolute minimum.
“Do what you have to do to carry on life,” Young said. “Use the time we’re all staying home to plan a memorial service honoring those who have passed or a wonderful, if postponed, wedding reception.”
While family, friends and neighbors may be unable to congregate, it’s important to stay together, virtually. “Reach out to your friends, family and neighbors,” Young said. “Make sure they have food and are safe.”
Young said anyone with questions should call the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department hotline at 304-348-1088.