***UPDATED April 10, 2020***

On Sunday, March 15, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released guidance stating that for the following 8 weeks, all mass gatherings should be postponed or cancelled in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). At the end of last month, the Trump Administration extended federal guidelines in favor of ‘social distancing’ through the end of April, advising against gatherings larger than 10 people. 

Social distancing is an epidemiological term that means taking simple steps to reduce close contact between people. While it is difficult to remain in our homes away from friends and family–especially as religious communities, including ours, forgo long-awaited celebrations this month–the good news is that it appears to be working. With treatment and cures for COVID-19 still in development, keeping this highly contagious virus from spreading remains the safest and most responsible course of action. 

You can read more about social distancing here, and follow these tips to practice it:

  1. If you are over the age of 60 and/or have other heart- or lung-related health concerns (or are otherwise immunocompromised), you need to stay home. 
  2. If you are young and healthy, you must still practice social distancing to better protect others who are more vulnerable and yourself. You can also check-in and provide support, with proper precautions, to those who cannot leave their homes. Importantly, even those who are young and healthy are not immune to COVID-19.  If you feel sick–even slightly under the weather–absolutely stay home, and call your healthcare provider.
  3. If you must go out, whether for essential jobs, grocery shopping or a walk, wear masks at all times given the updated CDC guidelines. Still refrain from touching your face and remain to wash your hands, even if you are wearing a mask. 
  4. If you are responsible for gurdwara programming, please postpone or cancel any large events (including Vaisakhi celebrations and nagar keertans) where crowds may gather. In addition, please put in measures to immediately reduce sangat size at gurdwaras as per guidelines and national/state policies, especially during regular divaans. 

We must continue to take extraordinary measures to limit attendance to those who need services from the gurdwara (e.g. meals, shelter, and/or healthcare) in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Many gurdwaras have already suspended regular divaans to limit the number of people at the gurdwara at any given time, and some have moved to a pick-up or delivery model for safely packaged langar or groceries for those who need it. For Vaisakhi in particular, gurdwara leaders may want to consider online programming so local sangats can engage and worship safely.

Please understand that these and other measures are to protect our sangats: They will allow us to support those who are underserved and vulnerable, as is our responsibility. This time of upheaval and crisis is difficult, but it requires us all to make the best choices for the health and safety of all. Together, we will continue to adapt as we look forward to a time when things will once again feel more normal. 

As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.