COVID-19: Updates and information
We at Chalice are closely monitoring updates on the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are working diligently to ensure that our operations continue safely. We will continue to update all of our supporters with the most recent information we have regarding our response to COVID-19.
Current updates: April 2021
-In our efforts to practice social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus, our staff is working remotely. We can be contacted at 1.855.444.5432 or by emailing info@chaliceus.org. Due to staff working remotely, forwarding may be delayed, but rest assured, we will work to promptly return your inquiry.
-All Parish appeals are suspended until further notice due to the government’s recommendation to limit social gatherings.
-Our missions have been cancelled until further notice. We cannot reasonably plan for our next mission until the pandemic has passed, international travel restrictions are lifted, and travel would not expose our Chalice family (in Canada, US, and abroad) to an unreasonable level of risk.
-All international staff travel is suspended until further notice.
-We are working diligently to ensure that all of our programs continue to run effectively, and that all donations and funds continue to be sent to our sponsor sites in a timely manner.
Current updates:
Sponsored children updates
Africa: -Some areas in Africa such as Kenya and Zambia are attempting to resume traditional education for children, but this remains difficult as travel restrictions remain in place. Cases continue to rise and testing is limited.
Bangladesh – The country is deeply affected by COVID-19 and is experiencing a rapid increase in cases and fatalities. All offices, schools, colleges, and public transit went under a 14-day closure to try to curb the spread.
Bolivia – The families are struggling with the socio-economic impact of the long-term restrictions. Many have lost their usual form of income, or had their hours reduced. 70% of families in La Paz have begun home businesses and localized trade markets.
Cameroon: Two staff were recently tested asymptomatic positive with COVID-19 and all other staff tested negative. Our site office just re-opened.
Chile – The sites have continued to work virtually, using online messaging and video calls. There have been cases of sponsored children contracting the virus. The country is facing a deep economic crisis, with small businesses and street vendors closing permanently. Families are worried about paying deferred utility bills.
Ghana – Our sites in Ghana are working at a mostly normal capacity with the exception of abiding to gathering limits. The communities are stable and the market, banks, and other public places are open.
Guatemala – Site staff are continuing to communicate with families of sponsored children through mobile and online platforms. They are living with strict preventative health measures, including restricting meetings, occupancy in stores and markets, and food service. Families are experiencing fear because the hospitals are overburdened.
Haiti: In Haiti, COVID-19 cases have not been highly reported. The biggest concerns continue to be political violence and high inflation. Travel to and in Port-au-Prince is very challenging.
India: As the COVID-19 situation continues to escalate catastrophically, the sponsor site staff are continuing to serve the families in their sites. Following all government guidelines and using PPE, they are ensuring the sponsored children have access to education, nutrition, and healthcare. Families circles are not meeting.
Kenya – Many regions in Kenya are following lockdown orders. Families are struggling with increased prices of common goods, job loss, and curfews. The schools are now closed for holidays, and it is uncertain if they will reopen as usual in May. Vaccinations are becoming available, especially in Nairobi.
Paraguay – Staff are continuing to work, abiding by strict health regulations and protocols. Families are mourning the losses of people within their communities, including elders. They are also struggling with job loss or the closure of their small businesses. The Ayolas area is considered a “red zone” because the positivity rates are high for a small community.
Peru – Sites are operating under very tight restrictions, and new infections are constant, and there have unfortunately been fatalities as well. The Cañete and Chiclayo sites are currently considered “extreme risk” zones. Hospitals have reached their capacity, so most families are choosing to recover at home.
The Philippines – Manila and the surrounding four provinces underwent strict lockdown procedures from the end of March to mid-April. Since then, the government has eased restrictions, allowing for some mobility for staff and families while observing precautions. In the more remote region of Samar, the situation is controlled and site operations and community life are relatively normal while abiding by all public health guidelines.
Tanzania – The site staff in Tanzania are continuing to serve the families and attend to their needs, but with no gatherings for meetings and as few visits to homes as possible. Site staff are working within all COVID-19 protocols given by the Ministry of Health.
Ukraine: The third wave at our Ukrainian sites is beginning. All sites are orange, except one sub-site which is a red-zone. A vaccination roll-out is beginning slowly. There is a cost for the vaccine, and a high percentage of the population is refusing.
Zambia – The sites continue to work but are under tight restrictions around in-person interactions. The communities are doing well adhering to public health guidelines.
Our sites will continue to monitor the situation and fully comply with all directives put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.
What can I do to help?
If you wish to support families and children at our sites facing challenges related to COVID-19, you can donate to our emergency COVID-19 relief fund.
There are also other ways to help. Thanks to our many previously existing projects and programs regarding clean water, health, hygiene and sanitation, many of our sponsor sites have good knowledge of proper hygiene practices. You can help support these initiatives by::
Sponsoring a child (or continuing with your regular sponsorship payments)
Donating to our Healthcare Fund
Giving a health or hygiene gift through our Gift Catalog
Donating to our Nutrition Program
Prayer
Please join us in prayer for the health and safety of our sponsored children and their families, the communities where we work, our staff and supporters around the world, and all of those affected by the virus:
“Heavenly Father, during this time of anxiety and distress, we ask for your protection for our sponsored children and elderly, our supporters, staff, volunteers, and all who are burdened in any way by this pandemic. Bless all who are now sick and bring them quickly to restoration of good health. Shield and protect all healthcare workers. Guide governments in their decisions and help them to work together to contain the disease and stop the spread. Welcome into your Kingdom all who have died and bring comfort to their families.
Most Holy Trinity, we place all our hope in you. You are our strength and our shield; in You our hearts trust; so we are helped and our hearts exult; and with our song we give thanks to You. (Psalm 28:7)”
COVID-19 informational resources:
For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, please visit the following websites: