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.   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. This is one of a few reasons that 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.  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 put the mortality rate at 3.4% and US at 3.7%.   It's a dangerous virus, esp to older individuals and others with health issues.

Since the AL mask mandate went into effect on 7/16: (1) The average for new cases has mostly trended down.  (2) The positivity rate for AL has also trended down.  However, there has been some upticks on both since reopening of schools, universities, etc.  AL has the highest 'positivity rate' of all states in the Southeast.  We can't let our guard down.  See the chart below.   We need to be vigilant and proactive by focusing on activities that are lower-risk and following safe-practices.  

Governor Ivey announced the statewide mask mandate on 7/15/20 that went into effect on July 16.  On 8/27/20, Gov Ivey extended the mask mandate to continue till at least Oct 2nd. 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.

Bill Glenn   September 16, 2020