National guidelines for collective & public programs in dealing with coronavirus

Sahaja Yoga guidelines for collective and public programs in dealing with coronavirus (COVID-19)

For the week ending Friday 20 March 2020

Dear Yogis,

Jai Shri Mataji!The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) advise upon Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Sahaja Yoga will follow this official Government advice education which is regularly updated (https://www.health.gov.au/committees-and-groups/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc)

Upon review, the Australian Council and Trustees are sharing the following advice with respect to the hosting and attending of public meetings and collective programs:

Avoid being exposed to this virus
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 3- 6 feet). For more information on COVID-19 please visit the website of your State Government health department ( contact details can be found here :
https://www.health.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/local-state-and-territory-health-departments )

Social distancing measures are to be implemented
The AHPPC notes emerging evidence of community transmission in localised areas within Australia. Social distancing measures are to be implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Currently this includes limiting organised gatherings to fewer than 500 people.

Our Collective meditation programs will continue
Therefore our Collective meditation programs will continue. Also our public programs will keep running. Yogis running public programs must collect the contact details of new people attending in case the State health officials require it at a later date (and it’s good to always increase our new people database anyway).

If unwell with cough or fever or other respiratory symptoms should not attend gatherings.
Whilst AHPPC consider that public events less than 500 participants should proceed, they strongly recommend that people that are unwell with cough or fever or other respiratory symptoms should not attend public or collective events or gatherings. This is particularly so for people who have recently travelled from overseas. This is for your personal self assessment whether to attend or not.

Been in contact or coming from high risk countries
People who have been in close contact with a person who is a confirmed case of COVID-19, or a person who returned from or transited through a listed higher risk country (China, Iran, Italy South Korea) must not attend Sahaja Yoga public or collective gatherings until 14 days after leaving the country or having contact with a confirmed case even if they are completely symptom free. Those undergoing COVID-19 testing also must not attend collective programs until they have received their results.

Contracting the virus
It is completely normal as a Yogi to contract COVID-19 and it may happen to Yogis. We all get the cold or flu and likewise can get COVID-19.

Hygiene at venues
Soap for washing hands will be available at all locations hosting Sahaja collective gatherings as well as hand sanitiser (where available). Venues hosting Sahaja public or collective gatherings should routinely practice the cleaning of frequently touched surfaces with household cleaning spray or wipes.

Washing of hands
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the bin.

Social distancing strategies
Social distancing strategies increase the space between Yogis and decrease the frequency of contact among individuals to reduce the risk of spreading a disease. Efforts should be made to keep Yogis as far apart as is practical from each other when attending events.

Refrain from the distribution of prasad
Investigations to identify the means and the extent of spread of the infection, and modes of transmission are still continuing. To reduce the chance of the spread of infection we should refrain from the distribution of prasad and in the preparing and the sharing of Collective meals.

World-wide challenging period
We are incredibly fortunate to be Sahaja Yogis. We have the protection and unconditional love of our Divine Mother Her Holiness Shri Mataji. We also have the Sahaj treatments Shri Mataji has taught us that we can use. We also have the awareness to be the Spirit which can keep us balanced and carry us collectively through this world-wide challenging period.