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[First Name],
I have experienced firsthand how important Community is…the widow who is missing the hand they can no longer hold, the caregiver of a sick loved one who just needs someone to talk to, or even just a place to go where you can calm your racing mind.
Our BBS Community is very diverse…many over age 70…many with compromised immune systems….many with chronic diseases…the same demographics of those that you’ve heard are at the greatest risk from COVID-19. I can feel their fear…and, my own. So, Safety is in the forefront of my mind.
The definition of CHOICE – an act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities. I have reviewed the most current information available from the CDC and Johns Hopkins…and I have decided that BBS will remain open with a modified schedule over the coming weeks.
Please read the information below from the CDC (cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/) and Johns Hopkins (coronavirus.jhu.edu) that I used to make this determination.
Background:
Scientists first found evidence of human coronaviruses (HCoV) in the 1960s in the noses of people with the common cold. Two human coronaviruses are responsible for a large proportion of common colds: OC43 and 229E. The name “coronavirus” comes from the crown-like projections on their surfaces when viewed through a microscope. “Corona” in Latin means “halo” or “crown.” There are currently seven coronaviruses that are known to infect people: 229E, NL63, OC43, HKU1, MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), and COVID-19.
CDC information on COVID-19, as of 3/15/2020:
Based on what is currently known, the virus is spread from person-to-person…most frequently among close contact (within 6 feet, or closer), via respiratory droplets.
Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 may remain viable for minutes to days (depending on surface material), however, transmission of COVID-19 to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not yet been documented.
People are thought to be most contagious when they become symptomatic (because the virus is typically spread when someone coughs or sneezes).
Most common initial symptoms: Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath.
Most at risk: People with compromised immune systems, people age 70+, people with Chronic Diseases.
Recommendations:
The main concern is TRAVELERS who attend multiple large events and mass gatherings around the world/country…and introduce the virus to new communities. Therefore, the CDC recommends that organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.
If you have a fever, stay home (and contact your healthcare provider if you have other symptoms). Do NOT come in to BBS.
BBS Staff and volunteers will regularly clean frequently touched surfaces and props with a solution with over 60% alcohol content.
The Leprechaun Dance Party scheduled for March 20 is cancelled. Events currently scheduled for March 18 and March 20 are being reviewed with the presenters for alternate dates to reschedule.
BBS has over 1,200 square feet of movement space…we will be limiting classes to 12 participants, which (along with an instructor) will leave each person with approximately 92 sq ft of floor space. More than enough for 6+ feet of separation.
If we ever become aware that a person with COVID-19 (confirmed or suspected) has been in the facility, we will immediately notify everyone and close for 48 hrs in order to follow the Disinfection Protocol detailed on the CDC’s website.
Thoughts:
The definition of SAFETY – the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury.
You are a part of the BBS Community, and we want you to feel SAFE here. If you are at greater risk for COVID-19, and you don’t feel SAFE coming in right now…our Community will support your decision. You can also choose to come in for the therapies and wait until later to rejoin the classes. Feel free to give me a call if you’d like to discuss it.
The definition of FEAR – an unpleasant feeling triggered by the perception of danger, real or imagined.
The definition of PANIC – a sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behavior.
We are all feeling this now. It’s important to remember the tried-and-true anxiety prevention and reduction strategies. Get adequate sleep, exercise regularly, practice mindfulness, spend time in nature and employ relaxation techniques when stressed. Don’t give into UNTHINKING behavior…take control of the fear, don’t let the fear control you.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will notify everyone by email of any changes.
Yours in Health,
Christy
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