Greetings District 7430:
This communication comes to you from District Governor Bob Hobaugh and COVID-19 Advisor Michael Seidner, MD. We wish to share updated guidelines for Rotary activity in the face of the continuing pandemic from COVID-19. The most important step a Rotarian can take to prevent COVID infection is to become fully vaccinated. Masks are recommended indoors for all Rotarians in areas of “substantial or high transmission” and especially for those who are either not vaccinated or partially vaccinated. Immunocompromised Rotarians are also urged to wear a mask indoors. Club Presidents are to report any positive COVID-19 tests of a Rotarian who has participated in the last 14 days in an in-person Rotary event. A Club announcement, tracing and testing should follow any positive test of a Club member in attendance. Presidents, please report such positive tests to both District Governor Bob Hobaugh and Michael Seidner, MD.
Important highlights from the RI May, June, July, and August Board of Directors meetings found at https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/about-rotary/board-decisions include: “To better guide Rotarians in their Rotary-related travel as pandemic threats continue to change and more communities adjust their pandemic restrictions, and to ensure the safety of all participants in Rotary programs, meetings, and events, the Board made several amendments to its travel policy, agreeing that virtual or hybrid meetings should continue to be implemented. The RI Board also “reaffirmed its policy that no in-person Rotary meeting or event shall be mandatory for any participant who may feel uncomfortable attending because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (Health Department) updates its statistics regarding COVID-19 case incidence and vaccination status daily. Fortunately, cases of COVID-19 are falling as more people become vaccinated. Unvaccinated individuals continue to be at the highest risk for hospitalization and death. COVID-19 in vaccinated individuals tends to be milder and in many cases hospitalization is not required. Individuals testing positive should isolate for two weeks and participate in contact tracing. Check the Pennsylvania Department of Health website for more updates at https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx.
Please stay current with your individual county’s transmission rate by checking the Pennsylvania Department of Health Early Warning Dashboard located at: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
Thank you for your attention and commitment to keeping yourselves, your clubs, and the public safe during the ongoing evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. As with Polio, please advocate for vaccinations to not only keep individuals safe but our worldwide community!
Bob Hobaugh Michael Seidner MD
Governor, Rotary District 7430 COVID-19 Advisor, Rotary DIstrict 7430