With MERS Concerns Rising, Bro. Eli Urges Preventive Measures and Cooperation

The Presiding Minister to the Members Church of God International (MCGI) has urged Church members to exercise extra caution when travelling or are in public places around Middle East, where cases of deaths caused by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-cor virus) are reportedly rising.

“God takes care of us, but we must do our part,” said Bro. Eliseo Soriano. Citing 1 John 5:18, the international evangelist added, “First and foremost [there] is God’s care, but he that is born of God, takes care of himself.”

Bro. Eli also gave specific precautionary examples to prevent acquiring the deadly virus not just for members based in the Middle East, but also all over the world.

“When in offices or malls and you feel the need to go to a comfort room, don’t touch the door knobs,” the evangelist told attendees of a regular Thanksgiving service of the MCGI where various countries around the globe are connected via satellite and Internet facilities.

Bro. Soriano also cautioned members about touching virus entry points like the mouth, nose and eyes after coming in contact with someone, like through handshakes.

The MERS corona virus was first discovered in 2012 in Saudi Arabia, and has since spread to 16 countries in Europe, Asia and the United States, according to NBC.

Channel News Asia reports that the death toll from the virus has reached 115. To date, there is still no vaccine available.

The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) said in a report that SARS “resurfaced as coronavirus,” and that transmission can come from the sneeze of an infected person three feet away.

DOH Spokesperson Dr. Eric Tayag advises washing hands and limiting contact with other people to avoid the disease.

“Take care brethren; as you know, the Lord Jesus Christ said that there will be plagues,” reminded the Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path) host.

“Foremostly, there is God’s care for us, but let us take necessary measures so that the people in our lives will not be affected.”

(Written by Rigor Arellano)