Vol. 102 No. 36
Bill Davidson, President
Parisa Adrangi, Secretary
MEMBER MEETINGS SUSPENDED FOR NOW
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
As our response to the evolving worldwide health crisis, the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Vancouver determined that in order to safeguard Rotarians, our families and our greater community, our Tuesday luncheon meetings are cancelled for the near future. The Board will re-evaluate the situation semi-monthly, but we anticipate that there will be no Tuesday luncheon meetings until the beginning of May at the earliest.
The Rotary Club of Vancouver has a 107 year tradition of service dedicated to improving the lives of others, both in our community and around the world. Our Rotary club was the 1st Rotary Club in B.C. and the 2nd in Canada. With this distinction comes the responsibility to lead by example, by not only doing our part to slow down the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, but by also continuing to serve, despite the challenges before us.
The Board hopes that our various committees will continue to meet in order serve those in need. Smaller committees might decide to meet in person, but it would be best to have virtual meetings, conference calls, etc. The Board will continue to meet as per the current schedule, but the format for those meetings will also be different.
Committee chairs need to ensure that if the Club is unable to meet current funding commitments to projects or to charities, that we let these beneficiaries know that Club activities have been suspended and will resume in due course. However, if we are still able to support our beneficiaries, arrangements can be made to prepare and deliver cheques. Club participation in activities, such as Food on the Corner, need to re-evaluated by the related committees.
Last Saturday, RI President Mark Maloney and income RI President Holger Knaack, emailed a press release to all Rotarians titled “Rotary’s Role in Battling Coronavirus”. RCoV members need to read this press release, not only for the leadership steps we can take to slow down the spread of the virus, but also for the encouragement for Rotarians to continue to serve our communities as best we can under the circumstances.
World health experts are telling us that this crisis is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. As such, all of us need to actively monitor this crisis as it further evolves and heed the advice of Health Canada as well as local, provincial and federal authorities. In the meantime, the Board will provide appropriate updates as these ever-changing events affect the operation of the RCoV and of our fellow
Rotarians. Please do not hesitate to contact Carolyn or myself if you have any questions or concerns, as well as any constructive suggestions on how we can keep our momentum going and continue to serve.
We wish you and your loved ones continued good health during this unprecedented time.
MYTH: It’s necessary to wear a mask in public at all times
It is not necessary to wear a mask at all times while in public.
General mask-wearing guidelines:
If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of someone suspected to have COVID-19
Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing
In order for a mask to be effective, you should also wash your hands thoroughly and frequently
If you wear a mask, be sure to use and dispose of it properly
FACT: You can reduce your risk of getting COVID-19
Simple tasks like washing your hands as frequently as possible with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help reduce risk of getting and spreading COVID-19, according to the CDC.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and stay home from work if you feel sick.
Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and immediately throwing away that tissue and washing your hands will help reduce spread of the virus.
MYTH: COVID-19 can’t be transmitted in areas with warmer climates
Current evidence shows that COVID-19 can be transmitted in all areas, including those with hotter climates. Regardless of weather, it is important to protect against COVID-19 and take all precautionary methods to reduce the spread of the disease.
FACT: The virus will likely spread through many communities
The CDC reports that all communities should prepare for the possibility that COVID-19 will spread to them at some point. Person-to-person contact is the most common way to spread the virus, so avoiding close contact with others is a good practice.
MYTH: Vaccines against pneumonia protect against COVID-19
This is not true. Vaccines against pneumonia, or any other illness, do not provide protection against COVID-19. Because the virus is so new and different, it requires a new vaccine.
Researchers are in the process of developing a vaccine.
FACT: For most people, the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 is considered low
Older adults and all demographics with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems are at a greater risk of developing a severe illness from COVID-19.
However, the risk of this occurring within the general population is low.
It is still important to take precautionary methods to protect against the virus, regardless of age or health condition.
MYTH: Spraying alcohol or chlorine on your body can kill COVID-19
Spraying alcohol or chlorine on your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying these substances can harm the eyes, moth and clothes. Both alcohol and chlorine are effective in disinfecting surfaces, but they need to be used properly.
FACT: Antibiotics are not effective in preventing and treating COVID-19
Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacterial infections. Since COVID-19 is a virus, antibiotics should not be used to prevent or treat the illness.
MYTH: COVID-19 can be transmitted through mosquito bites
To date, there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can be transmitted by mosquitos. The primary form of transmission is through droplets generated when infected people cough or sneeze, or through droplets of discharge from the nose.
To prevent the spread of the illness, frequently wash hands thoroughly and avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
FACT: Disease doesn’t target specific races or ethnicities
COVID-19 does not target any specific race more than another. For example, being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19.
FACT: Misinformation is like a virus
Check your references and your assumptions. Look to Government, WHO, CDC for guidance and other reputable online resources. Question whether your concerns are rooted in facts, myths, or personal ideologies.
District 5040’s 2020 Vision Conference in Vancouver April 24–26 was expected to attract upwards of 350 registrations. With great regret District leaders have cancelled the District Conference in response to BC Health Minister Adrian Dix’s announcement on March 12 that the provincial government has banned all events with more than 250 people to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including sporting events, upcoming concerts and all religious gatherings.
In true Rotarian fashion, there is a group in Baldock, Hertfordshire, England, that have come together to help those in need while they are in isolation. An article in The Comet dated March 16, 2020 tells of the creation of the Baldock Coronavirus Support Group. It was set up by a group of volunteers including district councillors, Rotary Club members and local churches. The group has, at time of publication, more than 70 volunteers who will reach out to anyone who feels they need extra assistance in these times. They will do whatever is needed, from delivering shopping and medication, to simply being a voice on the end of the phone. A special phone number and email has been set up that they check daily.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE CANCELLED
