TRES DIAS INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

March, 13, 2020

COVID-19 Update

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD, your God, will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

As we have all been made aware, COVID-19 coronavirus represents a serious health crisis.  Currently, there are total of 1,629 cases across the U.S (as of 3/13/2020 12:00 PM EDT). 

The International Secretariat of Tres Dias is concerned for the well-being of all of our Tres Dias communities.  We strongly urge the leadership of each community’s secretariat to engage in discussions; utilizing information from the CDC (www.cdc.gov) and your local governmental authorities, to develop plans for what you believe is best for your community regarding the conducting of community events, including team meetings, weekends, Secuelas, and Secretariat meetings. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) website is updated daily at 12:00 PM EST.  We encourage you to share information with your community on a regular basis.  

In addition, we are being made aware that some of our community’s’ weekend facilities are choosing to close for a period of time.  It is therefore strongly recommended that the leadership of each Tres Dias community be in communication with their facility as it might be necessary to reschedule weekends or other related events. 

If your community decides to continue with events, TDI recommends you consider these guidelines.  They include:  

• Do not attend if you are ill, if anyone in your family is ill, you have come in contact with someone who is ill, or you have come in contact with someone that has traveled out of the country (whether that person has been ill or not).
• Older individuals, and those with severe chronic conditions (i.e. heart and lung disease, diabetes, etc.) are at higher risk for exposure and complications, and need to avoid crowds. Recommended that they not attend.
• Individuals who have traveled outside of the country in the prior 45 days should be closely evaluated.

When in the event:  

• Avoid physical contact with other individuals, including handshakes and hugs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe and have hand sanitizer readily available.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. Note, CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• The same protocol/guidelines used for team should be extended to those coming in for serving, or participating in the Serenade, Mananita or Closing.
• Utilize a different method for communion (e.g. single serving cups/sets) instead of intinction or everyone pulling pieces of bread from one loaf, etc.
• Monies paid by individuals no longer able to attend, should be refunded

It is vitally important that the leadership stay in touch with the latest news on the outbreak.  It is changing in some cases hourly.  Of course, any late-breaking directives from your community’s state and local officials supersede any recommendations made in this email.  It is a time to be informed, but not to panic.  It is a time to pray and not to lose heart.  

At this time of difficult yet prudent decision-making, should your leadership move forward with the cancelling of your weekend events, rest assured that it will not impact your community’s charter.  If there is any doubt in how to proceed, we strongly suggest you use an abundance of caution, as necessary for your local region. 

We also ask for your prayers for those who are already suffering from the effects of this virus at so many different levels.  We stand with you in offering our prayers for all of you, as you navigate this challenging time.  

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

In His Service,
Denny Farkas
President – Tres Dias International Secretariat

For questions or concerns contact president@tresdias.org.