My Dearest Congregation,
On Thursday, March 19, I woke with a fever of 100.1. I called my doctor, who listened to my symptoms and said it sounded like I had a cold with a secondary infection. He prescribed antibiotics. By Monday, March 23, I still felt, I still felt bad and was running a temperature (~99.) I called my Dr. again, and he said it sounded as if I was getting over Covid-19. I immediately placed myself in quarantine.
The only people I had contact with (besides Howard and Lee) from March 19-March23 were Barbara Zacheis and Lois Anderson (Sunday, March 22, for live-stream worship). I have spoken with them, and they are well. We kept a 10ft+ distance at all times, and Barbara reminded me that she never once heard me cough! My self-imposed quarantine will be up on April 2.
I was acting on the medical information and advice that I had at the time: I would never have been near anyone if I had been told I might have Covid-19. I have waited until now to let you know this because in speaking with some church leadership, we arrived at the decision that it would cause more panic.
Some may ask why I did not take a test. They were and are in short supply; my Dr. did not recommend it; and I would much rather a single mother with 2 kids get the test and care than I myself.
If anyone feels that I have been an absent pastor during the last two weeks, I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I care deeply for each and every one of you, and you have been in my prayers since the crisis began.
In Christ,
Lori
