Covid-19 and SAFETY for CAMS

---

We resumed club activities on 5/2/20, with a focus mostly on drives and outdoor events.  We want everyone to be safe at all times. We use a zero-contact approach for waivers and other things.  Please use social distancing (6 ft or more) at all times and follow the mask mandate.   Persons with health issues are encouraged to consult with their doctor when considering to attend events.  

Frequent hand washing, social-distancing, and use of face masks continues to be very important. Experts also say people are significantly less likely to get Covid-19 while outside.  One Doctor indicated the risk exposure for an indoor event is 19-times higher than an outdoor event. We are focusing on outdoor events.  I’m not comfortable holding a typical indoor Business meeting or indoor lunch event.  Instead information and updates are sent via email and lunches are held outside.  We monitor guidelines and recommendations from the CDC, Gov.Ivey, and local government.  Statistics for the state and counties are monitored in considering club events. 

A couple of important comments from the CDC to keep-in-mind: (1) About 33% of covid-19 infected persons have ‘no symptoms’ (e.g. asymptomatic) and (2) About 40 - 50% of transmissions occur before an infected person has symptoms. This is what makes Covid-19 so easy to spread.  World-wide stats show the mortality rate dropping - likely due to improvements in treatment and lower age-range for new cases.  It's a dangerous virus, esp to individuals age 50 and higher, and others with health issues.

Challenges remain - see charts below.  We can't let our guard down.  We need to be vigilant and proactive by focusing on activities that are lower-risk and following safe-practices.   The Pfizer vaccine looks very promising - there is hope for more protection of life, health, and a return to something "closer to normal".

Governor Ivey announced the statewide mask mandate that went into effect on July 16.  Gov Ivey held a press conference on 11/5 and she extended the mask mandate to continue till at least December 11th. The order states a face covering must be worn in public when in close contact with other people. Specifically, must wear a mask/face covering when: (1) within 6 feet of a person from another household, (2) an indoor space open to the public, (3) a vehicle operated by a transportation service such as Uber, (4) or an outdoor public space where 10 or more people are gathered - this applies to CAMS events.

The recent order of Governor Ivey does make some changes to guidelines and mandates, such as business occupancy limits.  But the latest guidelines do not change things that apply to CAMS and CAMS events as we are focusing on outdoor events.

Bill Glenn   November 13, 2020