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 min) at all times.  If social distancing cannot be maintained, a mask (and any other appropriate PPE) is recommended.   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 lunch event.  Instead information and updates are sent via email.  No ‘indoor events’ are planned for CAMS at this time.  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 4.35% and US at 4.0%.  It's a dangerous virus, esp to older individuals and others with health issues.

Covid-19 is not 'behind us' yet.  There is some good news:  since the AL mask mandate, the 3-day average for new cases appears to be going down.  The bad news is the positivity rate on testing in AL is very high at 20.4%  The rate has gone from ~8% to 20.4% in the last 6 weeks.  AL trends are shown in the chart.   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 at 5 pm on July 16 and remains in effect at least thru 8/31/20. 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 

July 30, 2020