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Though the COVID-19 vaccine has become more available, particularly in the United States, misinformation, mistrust and lack of access keep some communities at risk. We are tired, anxious and, perhaps, disillusioned. Truly every aspect of our lives has been turned on its head, said Malia Jones, a UW-Madison infectious disease epidemiologist. She joined the team in 2019 and was formerly a data, video and audio reporter at the La Crosse Tribune. by Catherine Smith . United Methodists across the globe continue navigating challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. But other Catholic jurisdictions are more accommodating of exemptions. George Hinman, the senior pastor of the large multigenerational church that I attend, said, I can accept the idea of having a worship service just for the vaccinated if we also provide another option for people to worship regardless of their vaccination status. As ribbons representing those who have died from COVID-19 in Wisconsin flap in the wind, hundreds of residents line up to get vaccinated against the contagious virus Sunday at Trinity United Methodist Church in Madison. As in my previous CT articles on church gatherings during this pandemic, I have tried to discern Gods call for his church using two guideposts: biblical truths and scientific knowledge, both of which have been given by God. Churches get COVID-19 vaccines to thousands We need to give everyone an accessible experience.. If scientists determine that vaccinated individuals can still harbor the virus and spread it, then even after a high proportion of people are vaccinated, the risk of spread may remain high as long as the level of COVID-19 infection in the community remains high (see upper figure). Im excited to finally get it, she said. The move comes after Iowa-based UnityPoint Health and South Dakota-based Sanford Health in 2019 pursued a merger that didn't materialize. Churches get COVID-19 vaccines to thousands, Meharry provides vaccines and peace of mind, United Methodists promote COVID-19 vaccines in Congo, COVID-19 vaccine: Why get it and what happens next. To unlock this article for your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. The event was organized by the church, Hayat Pharmacy, Fitchburg Family Pharmacy and a vaccine hunters Facebook page. In this call to immunization against COVID, this call to mission from the heart, this call to community, there is value added. ]. Because vaccination will proceed at different rates in different communities and vaccination of church congregants will vary even among churches within the same community, there is no single approach to regathering. We feel safe doing it.. The denominations Abundant Health campaign, launched in 2016, promotes mental, physical and spiritual well-being for all people. Donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)Covid-19 Response Fund. Contact her by email or at 615-742-5138. . The event was supposed to run until 4 p.m., but organizers extended it until 5 p.m. to vaccinate as many people as possible before the crews with Hayat Pharmacy had to head back to Milwaukee. Both the Vatican and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have said Catholics can receive the vaccines in good conscience given the lack of alternatives and the goal of alleviating suffering even while objecting to research with even a remote connection to abortion. As COVID-19 vaccines are rolled out, many churchgoers are in a lower priority group for vaccination, and some may never be vaccinated either by choice or due to health reasons. The Liberty Counsel sent a letter to Methodist Health System on Tuesday on behalf of healthcare workers who are opposed to getting vaccinated against COVID-19 due to the development of the vaccine being associated with aborted fetal cell research. , woman accused of using aunts debit card for 136 DoorDash orders held on preset $18 million bond, Suspect arrested in Slidell double homicide, police say. Laurie Brenner, a pastor of a Seattle neighborhood church deeply engaged in the community, said, In my medium-size church, there is a real tension. I threw it up on Facebook and was like, How are we going to get (about) 600 people in less than 24 hours notice? she said. 1,046 new cases of COVID-19 across the state, the largest single-day total since Feb. 11. Both said they were excited about getting vaccinated, and said its been difficult to find available appointments because the state only recently opened up their age group. Here are some of the State Journal's top images of the pandemic. Reason and Logic Belong to God. Here is where things stand, Restaurant review: Pauls Neighborhood Bar has an enticing all-you-can-eat fish fry, State looking to sell 3 large office buildings in Downtown Madison, Epic Systems to add 1,700 jobs as it expands its Wizards Academy campus in Verona, Williamson Street restaurant to reopen after 3-year COVID closure, SNL: Woody Harrelson makes fun of Cologuard, an Exact Sciences cancer screening tool, With all this rain and snow, can California really still be in a drought? If in-person gathering . St. Luke United Methodist to host COVID-19 vaccination event in South Dallas People can receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the church from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Friday. The vaccine is a social need that crosses ethnic, economic and gender boundaries, he said. What should United Methodist congregations know about disaffiliation? , The church is the first to serve as a vaccine site as part of a pilot program in the city. Although experts are not certain vaccination will prevent the spread of COVID-19, there is a very good chance that vaccines will reduce at least some (if not most) COVID-19 transmission. Pastor Joseph Daniels of Emory Fellowship United Methodist Church gets a vaccination Wednesday at a clinic . The table below provides guidance on in-person activities that can start once the level of COVID-19 infection drops to certain thresholds. "I just hope the ones that are holding back do get vaccinated," says Newbury. The vast majority of Christian denominations have no theological opposition to vaccines, including Eastern Orthodox, Amish, Anglican, Baptist, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,. Because COVID-19 and all its variants spread through nasal secretions and respiratory droplets, the ways to contain their transmission remain the same. More than 500 people were vaccinated. Volunteer Joanna Donovan explains the vaccination process to Kathy Peterson, 50, and her son, Kaden. You can have as much opportunity as you want, you just have to keep trying and stay in it. To share this article with your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. Having trouble with comments? Day 1, then, is the first full day after that. As always, we are committed to our patients and focused on delivering the high-quality care you expect. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. Hundreds of people lined up to get vaccinated against COVID-19 during a pop-up, walk-in clinic at Trinity United Methodist Church in Madison. Because herd immunity has not been achieved, COVID-19 infection rates in our communities will remain high. Related Links As COVID-19 cases continue to decline, Houston Methodist is lifting all COVID-19 visitor restrictions. Daniel Chin is a physician trained in pulmonary and critical care medicine and epidemiology with 25 years of global public health experience. Moreover, it is easier to mitigate COVID-19 transmission in some activities compared to others. We want to help people understand that these vaccines are proven to be successful and are already decreasing the spread of COVID-19. What were doing is racing against the variants with the vaccine, Julie Willems Van Dijk, DHS deputy secretary, told the State Journal on Thursday. To sign up for this vaccine clinic and obtain the consent form, call the First United Methodist Church Office at (479) 782-5068. This is an alarming development because these variants may worsen and prolong the pandemic. Faith groups, including Brown Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church and St. Vincent, St. Francis and Sacred Heart Catholic churches; We are hopeful that the availability of COVID-19 vaccines will allow our society and churches to return to normal. Channel 9s Joe Bruno tracks open slots], The only way we are going to end the pandemic part of this is if everybody does their part, said Pastor Jonathan Coppedge-Henley, of Cokesbury UMC. Houston Methodist developed a . The churchs Brigham Young University has asked students to report their vaccination status but is not requiring vaccinations, and the church is also requiring U.S. missionaries serving in foreign countries to be vaccinated. What is the Church's position on homosexuality? The church, however, can be part of the solution. As COVID-19 cases continue to decline, Houston Methodist is lifting all COVID-19 visitor restrictions. I believe it is even fair to ask for vaccination before gathering. We have people, so why not be host sites?, [WANT TO WATCH ON OUR STREAMING APPS? Learn in a culture of compassion, innovation and excellence. Rev. The COVID-19 pandemic dominated the past year and brought many changes to life. Hundreds of people lined up to get vaccinated against COVID-19 during Sunday's pop-up, walk-in clinic at Trinity United Methodist Church. By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. Our churches are in all communities from the 1% community to communities in poverty. If these virus variants become more common in our communities as anticipated, then we need the suggestions below even more to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our churches. In consulting with four churches in my home city of Seattle to plan for this transition, I've seen leaders struggle with the complex issues before them. Its just a powerful witness to what God can do in the life of someone and how God can transform a life. A few apps are designed to help individuals estimate their risk of catching COVID-19 at a gathering. I need information on the COVID-19 vaccine. "We do not have a biblical basis for a religious exemption to the. [Need a vaccine appointment? Social distancing, masking and isolation have become unwelcome parts of the "new normal.". A total of 530 people received a dose of either the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Pastor Klein says that members of the congregation who are not vaccinated still take other precautions such as greeting one another from a distance and hand-sanitizing. Coppedge-Henley said hosting vaccine clinics is a way to do all the good you can in all the ways you can.. DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD/TAMPA BAY TIMES VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America threw a cross into Spring Bayou, Jan. 6, during the 115th year of the annual Epiphany celebration in Tarpon Springs, Fla. My phone has been ringing off the hook from people looking (for vaccine).. But if the virus can spread through the vaccinated, then we must continue to use masking, physical distancing, and other means to protect vaccinated individuals from COVID-19 in the same way we protect unvaccinated individuals. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Telephone: 808-529-4747, San Francisco mayor breaks strict health order partying maskless at nightclub, SBA loans up to $2M available for small businesses affected by Oahu drought, Former Hawaii athletes say AD search panel lacks diversity, Hawaii uses the motivation of a ring ceremony to flatten Pepperdine, 1 killed when business jet encounters severe turbulence, Bid to make every day Aloha Friday in Hawaii Senate chamber fizzles, Hawaii starts March Madness a little bit early, Jury acquits former Navajo official in COVID testing case, Honolulu Festival returns with Japan in the spotlight, Chicago mayors race shows impact of crime in COVIDs wake, Hawaii hospitals, clinics continue to embrace masks, Hawaii COVID-19 positivity rate at 4.4%; 12 more deaths, March 9, 1957: Aleutian earthquakes send killer tsunami waves to Hawaiian islands. An easy first step would be small groups for vaccinated individuals. For those on the edge, co-pastors of Hickory Grove, UMC Phyllis and George Coates, preach the benefits that the shot rewarded them, which is peace of mind and love. South Dakotas bishops have also taken that stance. Therefore, church leaders can play an important role in encouraging their congregants to get vaccinated. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not provide religious exemptions for vaccines for members, according to church spokesman Eric Hawkins. It felt like I was announcing a funeral every day., A year into a once-in-a-century pandemic, Madison and Wisconsin continue to grapple with a virus that's killed thousands, destroyed businesses. Unfortunately, many of our Christian brothers and sisters living in low- and middle-income countries, where I have worked for more than 25 years to stop the spread of infectious diseases, will not receive vaccines until 2022 or later. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - History was made at Dillard University on Saturday (March 4), as Delores J. Williamston was installed as the next bishop heading the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Find a location for you and your family near work or home. Dr. Cody Turner from Colemans Pharmacy will bring 200 doses of the Pfizer vaccine that will be given in both a drive-thru clinic under the First United Methodist Church breezeway,200 N. 15th St., and inside the Family Life Center, located at 301 N.16th St. near the corner of North B Street. All rights reserved. Williamston said she was honored for the service to be held at such an historic site for people of color, and to be able to preach in the same chapel as did Martin Luther King Jr. It means a lot, as a person who dropped out of high school and got a GED, Williamston said. Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. However, church leaders may have reservations about separating their congregants into groups. In 2003, he led much of WHOs support to China to contain the SARS epidemic. Bei der Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps verwenden wir, unsere Websites und Apps fr Sie bereitzustellen, Nutzer zu authentifizieren, Sicherheitsmanahmen anzuwenden und Spam und Missbrauch zu verhindern, und, Ihre Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps zu messen, personalisierte Werbung und Inhalte auf der Grundlage von Interessenprofilen anzuzeigen, die Effektivitt von personalisierten Anzeigen und Inhalten zu messen, sowie, unsere Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu entwickeln und zu verbessern. Last month, Hickory Grove UMC in east Charlotte vaccinated hundreds of people. It allowed me to hug my grandchildren, Phyllis Coates said. Churches pair up with clinics to deliver coronavirus vaccine to those who need it most. YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - As some prepare to vaccinate the five to 11 age group, many are fighting COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the workplace and schools, but where do church members stand on the COVID vaccine? Emily Jaeger, a pharmacy student at UW-Madison, transfers vaccine doses from vials into syringes so they can be administered to patients during Sunday's clinic. Illn heard, through the Wisconsin Vaccine Hunters and Angels Facebook page, that pharmacies were looking for a space in Madison to do a pop-up clinic. When youre helping people who are without access to knowledge (about the vaccine) and without access to the vaccine, thats part of mission and part of loving your neighbor, says Kathleen Griffith, Global Health team lead and senior technical advisor at General Board of Global Ministries. Copyright 2023 WVUE. For the Rev. But a return to normalcy will take time. A COVID-19 vaccine clinic and drive-thru will be held at First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 13. She said, I didnt think I would ever get the shot. I said, You are getting it today.. Similarly, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America issued a recent statement encouraging vaccine use and saying that there is no evident basis for religious exemption in its own or the wider Lutheran tradition. You can reach out to Arlette for at arlette.yousif@kecytv.com. Greg Abbott issued an executive order . COVID-19 has presented many challenges for the . Everything Everywhere All at Once and the Beautiful Mystery of Gods Silence, Complete access to articles on ChristianityToday.com, Over 120 years of magazine archives plus full access to all of CTs online archives. The Knox County Health Department will provide COVID-19. Williamston, a native of Kansas, becomes the first Black clergy member to lead UMCs Louisiana Conference, which is comprised of 486 congregations and more than 118,000 members across the state. The available Covid-19 vaccines are orders of magnitude safer than an acute or chronic infection or the quality-of-life impact from post-Covid-19 syndrome. Nevertheless, limiting gatherings to only vaccinated congregants could prove challenging as churches may be reluctant to require a proof of vaccination for entry through their doors. "I'm running out of options for my career . A COVID-19 vaccineclinic and drive-thru will be held at First United Methodist Church of Fort Smithfrom 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 13. Pastor Bob Klein at Trinity United Methodist Church has an answer when it comes to COVID vaccine religious exemptions. I want information on the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccine: Why get it and what happens next. Broughton said, Pods are already popping up spontaneously that bring people with lower risk for COVID-19 together. Five suggestions for a gathering plan during the partial-vaccination period. "Ive elected to get mine for myself and for my neighbors and my grandchildren. There is a lot of distrust of the government, of science, and of COVID-19 vaccines. UW is one of 11 universities in the Osher Collaborative for Integrative Health. Some of us have experienced waves of hopefulness; others of us remain disheartened. Only when the infection rate declines to a lower level will the risk of transmission between congregants also decline and then in-person gatherings can safely resume (see lower figure). However, the idea isnt new; the use of health passes could become commonplace in the coming months. As significant numbers of Americans seek religious exemptions from COVID-19 vaccine mandates, many faith leaders are saying: Not with our endorsement. Only then can society begin to resume more normal activities. With the start of COVID-19 vaccination in our communities, we are beginning the long road back toward normalcy. (Matthew 11:28 NRSV). [ This article is also available in Trinity United Methodist Church hosts pop-up, walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic Sunday, VACCINATIONS | TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. Meanwhile, the entire church is surrounded by people waiting in line to get vaccine. Find helpful information, resources, prayers and stories of encouragement below. A clerical letter wouldnt necessarily be needed for someone to be granted an exemption federal law requires employers make reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs though a clergy endorsement could help bolster a persons claim. However, California does not honor religious exemptions when it comes to the COVID vaccine. Leaders of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America said, Thursday, that while some people may have medical conditions for not receiving the vaccine, there is no exemption in the Orthodox Church for Her faithful from any vaccination for religious reasons.. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. When youre protecting yourself with the vaccine, youre also protecting your community. We see a religious obligation," Pastor Greg Moore, of Edenton Street United Methodist Church, said. Hundreds of people lined up to get vaccinated for COVID-19 during a pop-up, walk-in clinic Sunday at Trinity United Methodist Church. Bashir said she had a friend who was hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications and that she was glad people age 16 and older are able to get vaccinated. She is pursuing a doctorate of ministry from Philips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Okla. See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Nadia Tijan, 19, and Arwa Bashir, 18, also waited near the end of the line. This will undoubtedly influence a churchs decision to gather. The spread of the new virus variants, which increase the contagiousness of individuals with COVID-19, makes this more important. Honolulu, HI 96813 To navigate this transition period, I will explain how COVID-19 vaccination influences decisions about church gatherings and provide five suggestions that can help churches develop a plan to regather as vaccination coverage increases. 2023 Cox Media Group. Last month, the east Charlotte church vaccinated more than 500 people. KYMA/CBS 13/KECY is an equal opportunity employer. Learn more about specific conditions we specialize in treating. But she says she will continue to get her booster shots. She hopes they can host more walk-in clinics. It is unfortunate that this pandemic has been so politicized that some church leaders are hesitant to endorse vaccination, but I suggest that we use the Great Commandment as our primary motivation. COVID-19 response: Global Ministries & UMCOR. TheCDC recently updated isolation guidelinesfor those testing positive for COVID-19. So Do Imagination and Myth. Talking about the COVID-19 vaccine aligns with all three objectives. If you think you may have coronavirus or need information on anything COVID-19-related, our care providers can see you viavideo visit, telephone or in person, when needed. Download ourIsolation Guidelineschart here. A number of dioceses have adopted policies similar to New Yorks, and bishops in El Paso, Texas, and Lexington, Kentucky, have mandated vaccines for employees. "I love to travel, so I am doing what I need to um, to be able to and make that happen," says Blitz. In countries like the US where the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines began last December, experts predict it will be fall before vaccination coverage reaches 7090 percent and herd immunity can hopefully be achieved. Current CDC isolation guidelines (if you test positive for COVID-19). Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Click Here to report it. 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Usually a funeral is a major step in understanding that a life was lived and the person is now gone, he said. Always keep in mind that insufficient COVID-19 testing may underestimate the true infection rate; therefore, in communities with inadequate testing, be more conservative in starting activities. She also becomes the first Black woman bishop in the UMCs South Central Jurisdiction, which includes Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. I want to see my current Houston Methodist doctor. If families dont get that, its just really hard.. Church leaders can set an example to their congregations by getting vaccinated themselves. But word spread on social media and grew into hundreds of people waiting outside of the church the next morning. Therefore, let us love one another by encouraging vaccination, especially those in our churches. In the table, I recommend using the daily number as thresholds, so you may have to convert your local health departments number to use the table or use a global dashboard with this information, such as the one by STAT News. The church can provide guidelines, but it is up to individuals to adhere to them.. The Colorado Catholic Conference, the policy arm of the states bishops, has posted online a template for a letter that priests can sign saying an individual parishioner may draw on Catholic values to object to the vaccines. If you're facing an unusually long wait for an appointment or procedure in the Madison area, please let us know. Leaders of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America said Thursday that while some people may have medical reasons for not receiving the vaccine, there is no exemption in the Orthodox Church for Her faithful from any vaccination for religious reasons., The Holy Eparchial Synod of the nationwide archdiocese, representing the largest share of Eastern Orthodox people in the United States, urged members to pay heed to competent medical authorities, and to avoid the false narratives utterly unfounded in science., No clergy are to issue such religious exemption letters, Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elpidophoros said, and any such letter is not valid.. Here is our safest interpretation of them: To start, know that your timeline begins on Day 0, the day you either notice symptoms or test positive. Image: You can cancel at any time! Lets not let COVID-19 be an end in itself, Griffith states. Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. At least 117 nurses are suing their employer, Houston Methodist Hospital, in Texas' largest city, over its COVID-19 vaccination mandate for workers, claiming they are being forced to be "human guinea pigs," Fox News reported. Since the spread of these COVID-19 variants could delay the time to reach herd immunity, the need for our churches to have plans on how and when to gather is greater than ever. To help our congregants take responsibility, it would be helpful if they knew their risk level. The most trusted members of many communities are in our churches. While COVID-19 has affected the entire world, Griffith recognizes that marginalized communities, specifically people of color, have been more adversely affected. Staff members at St. John's United Methodist Church, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, have been helping people schedule times for COVID-19 vaccinations. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy |Community Guidelines | FCC Applications | Jobs/Internships |, Daily News Updates Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. CHARLOTTE Hundreds of people in the Charlotte area have United Methodist Churches to thank for hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics. There is no cost to you for the vaccine. "Everything from setting up a Gmail for . At issue for many Catholics and other abortion opponents is that the most widely used COVID-19 vaccines were tested on fetal cell lines developed over decades in laboratories, though the vaccines themselves do not contain any such material. CLICK HERE]. Breaking News Christians who are troubled by the use of a fetal cell line for the testing of the vaccines would also have to abstain from the use of Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, Ibuprofen, and other products that used the same cell line if they are sincere in their objection.. A line of people waiting to get vaccinated against COVID-19 Sunday morning stood alongside a memorial outside Trinity United Methodist Church for those who have succumbed to the virus. 1. We really need godly wisdom, which includes scientific knowledge, to know what to do. All those I talked with see the need for open discussions within the church and the value of having a plan before churches are confronted by different pressures to regather. First, scientists are still unsure about whether vaccinated individuals who are not apparently ill from COVID-19 can harbor the virus and spread it to others. Our church emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and not just what the church mandates, said Elton Lee, an elder of a large Chinese American church, who is grateful for members who take responsibility to protect others. State Journal reporter Emily Hamer contributed to this report. For those who arrive without paperwork, forms will be available. Meharry provides vaccines and peace of mind ,and churches should be promoting COVID-19 vaccination, love one another by encouraging vaccination, With Gossip of the Gospel, the Church Grows in Nepal, After Pushing for UMC Unity, Former Bishop Joins New Denomination. Newly installed Methodist bishop makes Louisiana history, La. Williamston, who retired as a sergeant first class after a 22-year military career with the Kansas Army National Guard, was elected bishop last Nov. 2. The church hosted a pop-up, walk-in vaccination clinic open to everyone age 16 and older, and the line for the last-minute event wrapped around the block. Another member of the church says she will continue to get COVID booster shots as well. Hickory Grove UMC is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine event Friday morning. Find where you can worship online. Use the level of COVID-19 infection as the primary guide for congregational gatherings. But it may take significant efforts and patience to communicate with our church attendees about the benefits of the vaccines. Find out more >. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. What is Lent and why does it last forty days? Creating safe ways to worship; innovating outreach ministries; seeking to understand ever-changing healthcare information. Not only will vaccinated Christians be protected from serious complications if they get infected, but they will also be able to serve others in need sooner and contribute to ending the pandemic.
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