Dear Rotary Leaders,
On behalf of District Governor Savi Bhim, this message is being sent to District Executives, Club Executives and Club Directors regarding guidance for Clubs pertaining to the COVID-19 situation.
DG Savi has received a number of messages from Clubs and District Staff asking her if there has been a District position/guideline issued regarding the conducting of regular Rotary Meetings or Club Events during this COVID-19 situation.
It should be understood that each Rotary Club throughout our District has a unique variety of Community factors pertaining to their own specific situations ranging from conducting events, the type and size of population being served, and how the COVID-19 has affected their area.
Club leaders should use good judgement and assess the potential impacts of their own situation before making a decision on conducting events or services where there are larger gatherings especially with a diverse population.
That being said; the official position of the District is to follow the guidance as outlined by the State of California Department of Public Health, and approved by Governor Newsom, which is summarized:- To protect public health and slow the rate of transmission of COVID-19, gatherings as described below should be postponed or canceled across the state of California for at least the remainder of the month of MARCH 2020.
- Large gatherings that include 250 people or more should be postponed or canceled.
- Smaller gatherings held in venues that do not allow social distancing of six feet per person should be postponed or canceled.
- Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people.
The full context of Governor Newsom's directive is attached to this message.
Your Rotary District 5240 will provide you with key updates as they are updated or modified by our State Department of Public Health.
Sincerely in Service,
FRANK ORTIZ, PDG
District Rotary Foundation Chair
Rotary Club of Santa Maria Breakfast