The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic by the WHO, and as a result, Rotary District 5680 encourages all clubs and members to adhere to the guidance provided by WHO and the CDC as it is updated.  More information becomes available daily, and these two agencies provide the best-informed recommendations based on then-current information.  Even as we were preparing this policy statement, the position of the CDC, and the State of Kansas, has changed and become more restrictive with regard to public gatherings. 

 

At present, Rotary International has recommended suspending unnecessary travel in addition to following these guidelines, which include frequent and thorough handwashing; avoiding touching one’s face; avoiding crowded or congested areas; and staying home if you have reason to believe you are ill or could be contagious; and to follow any further suggestions or restrictions from your local health authorities.  The following links will be helpful to you in learning the current status of positions taken by RI in this regard:

 

 

Likewise, the following link will allow you to get current information from the CDC:

 

 

We have received several inquiries about whether clubs should cancel meetings.   The decision in this regard is a club decision, but if a club determines the risk to its members may outweigh the benefit of meeting, Rotary supports suspending meetings, and certainly if local rulings require suspending meetings, affected clubs should do so.

 

You may find the text of a communication I received recently from RI President Mark Maloney, and RI President Elect Holger Knaack, interesting.  Click here to view

 

Please check back frequently on this website, on My Rotary, or on websites for WHO or CDC for updates.  We are also providing statements that were current as of the date of this announcement.