The United Grand Lodge of England has issued guidance concerning the Coronavirus (COVID-19) for its constituent lodges. Masonic lodges have a higher concentration of older members than the average random gathering of people, and the World Health Organization (WHO) believes COVID-19 more severely affects older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. UGLE has issued the statement because the largest age demographic for Masonic lodges make up this significantly higher risk group.
UGLE members are encouraged by Great Queen Street to circulate this information.
PLEASE NOTE:
I am NOT attempting to stir up panic or overreactions to the virus in the United States. While prudent regardless of what part of the world you are in, England's public health guidelines are designed for their situation. Despite breathless media reporting of each and every new victim in the country, the Coronavirus is not spreading wildly throughout the U.S., nor does it seem likely to unless something changes dramatically. However, because it seems to affect the elderly more than it does younger people who contract the virus, Masonic lodges need to bear that in mind should it be detected in your vicinity.
Honestly, the flu appears to be every bit as dangerous as COVID-19, and arguably more so. So the UGLE guidelines make as much sense to prevent the spread of flu within your lodges, as well.
Click images below to enlarge. Or see the document at the UGLE website HERE:
After just two days, the UK press got wind of this and already they can't resist the mockery about Masons having to forego our 'dodgy handshakes.' Unbelievable.
from The GM Ontario. Canada file:///C:/Users/imova/AppData/Local/Temp/Coronavirus%202020%20Jan%2030-1.pdf
ReplyDeleteDarrin, that link doesn't connect to anything. Here is the message and correct Canadian data link forwarded on Facebook by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario for their area:
DeleteThe 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
March 4, 2020
Brethren,
The outbreak of the new coronavirus continues to evolve. Our Public Health Experts publish an update daily at 10:30 am. Here is the link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
Here is their advice:
How to protect yourself
Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact, for example, in a household, workplace or health care centre.
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses. Take these everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus and protect your health:
• wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• sneeze and cough into your sleeve
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• avoid contact with people who are sick
• stay home if you are sick
Your risk of severe disease may be higher if you have a weakened immune system. This may be the case for:
• older people
• people with chronic disease (for example, diabetes, cancer, heart, renal or chronic lung disease)
Brothers who are older and those with chronic diseases may wish to take the added precaution of staying home from lodge.
I remind you that shaking hands at a lodge meeting is not mandated and can be avoided.
Check with the authorities for updated reports regularly and be safe.
David J. Cameron
Grand Master
We as postponing the June 5th Masonic conference here in Washington. We certainly hope the crisis abates long before then, but purchasing tickets and making hotel arrangements, as well as deposits for the venue, catering and avs, carries risks. One thought is about people who do not know they are infected, perhaps in a chain having caught it from someone else in the early stages and also ignorant of being a carrier, and showing up innocently. I agree with much of what Chris says, but while to me it seems something that might quickly pass, i don't know and i don't think anyone else knows.
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