As Measures Intensify, Relational Communication Deepens

As official requirements and response measures intensify, the more personalized the response communications from organization leaders become. Intensity of measures and communications generally move from generalized announcements to personal letters to videos. A few illustrative examples are provided below.

Bellevue Presbyterian Church issues two official notifications generally provided for members from church leaders on March 3rd and 5th about extra programming other than Sunday worship services being cancelled/postponed. On March 6th, Pastor Scott Dudley writes a personal letter with a signature to let the congregation know that services will be online only. Likewise, Bellevue Hindu Temple originally posted a concise general announcement about COVID-19 measures on their website that was visible when visited 3/6. This was updated with a longer, more extensive letter format addressed to "dear devotees" that was visible on the site when visited 3/20.

Archbishop Etienne from the Seattle Archdiocese originally writes a signed letter to the parish community March 2nd with directives about adjustments to services. However, when he makes the announcement that in-person Masses will be suspended on March 11th, he does so through a video announcement. Other groups use video messages around this time to address changes in face-to-face services including messages on March 11th from Pastor Rob at Bethany Christian Assembly (shifting to online services) and Pastor Andrew Bach at Mosaic Community Church (changing from centralized worship to house churches).  Bach later issues another shorter video announcement on March 16th when MCC's original house church solution must change to online services only based on further gathering size restrictions.

Acceptance Enables Outreach

Original communications focus on awareness-raising, but as the situation becomes somewhat normalized, groups begin more stabilized outreach. Some examples are listed below.

On March 15th, the Muslim Association of Puget Sound hosts a webinar proposing a comprehensive response under four pillars including "Safety & Health," "Religious Services," "Educational Services," and "Human & Financial Services." 

On March 17th, Kol HaNeshamah announces three resources on  including a "KHN & Community Resources: COVID 19" database to help navigate financial support programs, "Quarantine Academy" virtual  meet ups to share knowledge and skills, and "KHN Members Mutual Aid" Facebook group to request and offer support services.

In addition to encouraging individual responses, many organizations begin calling for volunteers for service in partnerships with community groups or grocery runs for home-bound community members.

Key Policy Documents (Proclamations & Recommendations)

February 29th, State of Emergency declared in Washington State

March 11th, gatherings limited to 250 people in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties

March 13th, gatherings limited to 250 people extended to all Washington State counties

March 13th, National State of Emergency declared in the US

March 16th, limits on gathering sizes reduced to 50 people in Washington State

March 16th, CDC recommends against gatherings of more than 10 for at-risk populations