Evidence-based Action Needed

St. Louis County is not seeing a rise in deaths from COVID-19 (as I write this article on July 15, 2020) like many states and the United States as a whole are experiencing. This is likely because most people here have been practicing the evidence-based actions needed to keep us safer and healthier.

Dr. Alex Garza of the St. Louis Pandemic Task Force tells us that the best way to continue to see this good news is to reduce the amount of the virus that is circulating in our community. And the best way (in light of the lifting of the shelter-in-place order) to accomplish that is for people here to practice the evidence-based actions of: wearing a mask, remaining 6 feet distant from other people, frequent handwashing, sanitizing high-touch surfaces, not participating in congested gatherings of people, and other similar behaviors.

As of this writing, the Average Positivity Rate, Past Week as reported by the St. Louis County Health Department is only 3.9% here, (COVID-19 Data in St. Louis County) while Texas, Arizona, and Florida are seeing 17%, 19%, and 25% respectively (Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center).

The Bible often shows God’s heart for vulnerable people. In a parable, Jesus imagined a banquet:

“Then Jesus said to his host… When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:14 NIV)

Widespread participation in the above listed evidence based best practices have helped us in our area to avoid many deaths, many severe illnesses and the consequences of those including economic consequences. Let’s please continue these important practices (as I believe Jesus would) for the health and safety of all of us and each of us.

Pastor Mike Krewson