TERRITORIAL COMMANDER’S COMMUNIQUE

Zambia Territory JUNE 25, 2021

THQ COVID 19 DIRECTIVE

Dear Partners in Mission,

It is with a heavy, sad, and troubled heart that I write to you today to share the news that
our THQ weekly reports show a dramatic increase not only in Covid infections within our
Army Ministries Units but also the significant increased number of deaths due to Covid.

We are experiencing Unprecedented Numbers of COVID Cases

1) Admissions are coming from both urban AND rural areas

2) Most infections are due to the 'laxity' of the population (people not following the
rules of social distancing, masks, washing hands etc
3) Drs are urging people to seek medical attention and not to simply stay at home
4) Where testing is available – be tested to be sure
5) High concern for the 'super spreaders' – events like workshops, seminars, kitchen
parties and worship gatherings

In light of the above, and after discussion with all THQ Sr Leaders, THQ has taken the
decision to close all large corps gatherings until July 31 st when a review will be made
and further directions sent out to you.

What does this mean:

1) We have cancelled the Territorial SD In Gathering – why – because this would mean
province to province travel and it is a “super spreader” event.

2) We have cancelled all upcoming Youth Rallies / Congresses – why – because it is a

“super spreader” event.

3) We have cancelled all worship gatherings that have more than four PEOPLE – why –
because this would be a super-spreader. Many corps are reporting high Covid
numbers due to Sunday Services.

Use telephone, social media, and video to pray for and support each other.

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 4) We are cancelling all indoor Funeral Services – why – because this is a super-
spreader.

Plan to hold a Memorial Service after the COVID Crisis is over.

This is in keeping with Traditional Practice where the Service may be held months
after the burial.

If a Funeral Service is held outdoors, then the following must be done:

o The Leader of the Service must be Covid negative with no possible exposure
o No more than 50 people must be present at the Service
o All people must wear masks over the nose and mouth at all times
o Hand washing stations must be in place and used by everyone
o Proper social distancing (2 meters) must be maintained at all times
o Seats must be labelled showing where someone should sit.
o Attendance registers must be used.
o Deep cleaning of all equipment, chairs etc must be done immediately
afterwards

5) Grave Side Committal of the Body must be done only if:

o The Officer, Local Officer, or soldier leading the Committal must be Covid
negative with no possible exposure
o No more than 50 people must be present at the Service
o All people must wear masks over the nose and mouth at all times
o Hand washing stations must be in place and used by everyone
o Proper social distancing (2 meters) must be maintained at all times
o Seats must be labelled showing where someone should sit.
o Attendance registers must be used.
o Deep cleaning of all equipment, chairs etc must be done immediately
afterwards

Grave Side Committals may be done by ZOOM, Live Streaming, or Telephone

It is my appeal that all leaders and salvationists will take the lead in protecting each other, our
loved ones, our ministry unit families, and the communities we live and serve in.

Please continue to reach out to the people in your communities with God’s Compassion so that
the suffering may be supported. A telephone can mean a great deal. Thank you for all you are
already doing.

Please circulate this information to all officers, all local officers, and soldiers.

Be assured of our concern, support and prayers at this time.

Colonels Ian & Wendy Swan

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