Coronavirus Prevention and Control Measures
Hare Krsna ISKCON Boston Community,
We are monitoring the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and updates regarding the development of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
To protect our community as the virus continues to spread, ISKCON Boston is requesting congregation and general public members to comply with the below precautionary measures.
Different state and local public health bureaus are asking individuals who have traveled to an area with widespread or ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice) or have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19 to self-quarantine for at least 14 days as they monitor symptoms.
Congregation and general public members who are feeling unwell with flu like symptoms which could be related to Coronavirus or who have recently returned from impacted countries or regions are requested to not attend any temple services or programs until the advised time period of self-quarantine (at least 14 days) has passed. This may change due to updated recommendations from the CDC or our state and local health officials. Individuals should contact their doctor and quarantine themselves until they are well or receive clearance from a medical professional.
Furthermore, if a family member is sick, it is requested that the entire family not attend the temple for at least 14 days after the last person in the family has recovered.
All decisions ISKCON Boston will make in regards to COVID-19 will be made under the advisement of federal and local authorities, and GBC North America instructions as to what is best for our ISKCON community and to safeguard ISKCON’s reputation.
In the event that the CDC recommends that organizations cancel public gatherings, we will comply. This includes festivals and weekly programs. Furthermore, if local schools close and companies ask employees to work from home, ISKCON Boston will also consider cancelling all programs and ask people to not attend the temple (this includes for arati and darshan timings).
We appreciate all of our community members and are extremely grateful for services rendered. We care deeply for your health and well-being. If you are unwell, please follow the above precautions, not only to protect yourself but others as well. Rest assured, services to our beloved deities will be covered and continue without interruption.
Please continue to monitor ISKCON Boston’s website for additional precautions and updates as new information about the virus is released.
While away from the temple, people can have darshan of the deities and receive temple updates through:
• The “Radha Gopivallabha Darshan” whatsapp group - https://chat.whatsapp.com/GcsJCI87o9z9ly4MoCuE3v
• The “ISKCON Boston News” whatsapp group - https://chat.whatsapp.com/KeND4qraNqEAx2NFttMJoF
Recommendations from the CDC
Below are standard precautions that the CDC recommends to keep people healthy:
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds OR use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60-95% alcohol.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or an elbow when sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home if you are presenting a fever or exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
Below you will find links to various health agencies that will provide helpful information about the disease and its symptoms, ways to guard against it, and recommended treatment in the event that you or family members become ill. Hoping this meets you in good health.
Please note that we will continue with our Gaura Purnima celebrations as scheduled on Monday, March 9th.
In Service,
ISKCON Boston
CDC Coronavirus-Disease 2019 Information for Travel
U.S Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs – Travel Advisories
Massachusetts Department of Health
U.S. Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)