COVID Update January 2022

COVID UPDATE:

MAXIMIZE TELEWORK

January 10, 2022
 
PDG DAVE HANNAN
 
                With the intensity of the COVID disease incidence confronting us, I am now recommending that Rotary Clubs in District 7120 maximize their implementation of telework, i.e. preferential use of electronic communication over in person meetings to conduct club and district business whenever possible.  This is a precaution we take due to the stress on our health care system, the low percentage of vaccinated people in our communities, the high degree of contagiousness of the omicron variant, and the relative risk for some of our more senior Rotarians.
 
                GET VACCINATED, USE HAND SANITIZER, AND UPGRADE TO A KN-95 MASK!
 
                I reiterate from last month: NY Governor Kathy Hochul reinstated a statewide mandate for wearing masks at indoor public events beginning Monday, December 13. This applies to Rotary meetings, fundraisers, and projects that are held indoors at a public facility. There is an exception for events where all participants provide proof of vaccination, i.e. the digital Excelsior Pass or the CDC vaccination card. This is expected to be enforced by county health departments. This mandate is in effect at least until January 15, 2022. (I expect that it will be extended.)
 
                Here are some options for Rotary clubs:
  • Hold virtual meetings.
  • Hold hybrid meetings at a public facility where those attending in person provide proof of vaccination (as referenced above).
  • Hold in person meetings at a public facility at where all those attending wear masks throughout the meeting (as referenced above).
  • Hold in person meetings at a non-public facility. (Check with your county health department to ascertain their concurrence that the facility is “non-public.”)
Please reach out to your meeting facility manager and your food vendor as soon to maintain a good working relationship with these people.
 
Despite the “COVID fatigue” which we are all experiencing, it is truly important for clubs to continue meeting, now preferably electronically, and serving our communities. It is also important, whether or not we agree with Governor Hochul’s decision, that Rotarians comply with these directives to protect our members and to maintain a favorable public image in our communities.