Fr. Tim Oudenhoven of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Abbotsford recently posted on YouTube a video conference in which Judy Borrows of the Marathon Health Department addresses COVID-19 safety protocols.

COVID-19 has hit close to home for St. Bernard as one of the senior members in the Hispanic community of the Archdiocese recently died after contracting the virus.

“I think it's important for people to understand that it is getting worse,” said Borrows. “There are more cases and so it is really important now that people do stay home. If they've been asked to quarantine that means they should stay in their homes and not go out into public places.”

Judy Borrows of the Marathon Health Department | YouTube

The church typically has numerous events during the summer months, but those who are vulnerable are encouraged to avoid the risk and stay at home.

“Know that the county can't force events like that not to happen,” Borrows said on the video. “It is legal for them to hold those events, however the County Health Department does not recommend that those events happen. Those events where we bring a lot of people together put people at risk for being exposed to COVID-19.”

Borrows said that it is important to remember that no one is immune to the coronavirus, so proper precautions should be taken. She recommended that people wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their faces and limit contact with large groups of people.