The following is a message from Lions District Governor Denise Forrest:
“MY Fellow Lions and Leos of Sub District 60B. As global concerns surrounding the COVID 19 virus, world governments are taking steps to minimise the spread of illness and are working to understand and learn more about the disease; many within District 60B are inquiring what should Lions be doing. Many questions have arisen; should meetings be held? Should we have projects? Will the MD60Covention be rescheduled?”
“As Leos and Lions within District 60B, take steps to deal with the impact of the novel Corona-virus – COVID 19, we firstly have to be fully informed and compliant on the guidance being provided by the respective governments within the District, and by extension, be aware of how this guidance impacts the “normal” activities of the Club. It is not a “one size fits all” situation and we must keep ourselves fully informed of the advice being provided by the public health professionals and governments in our respective jurisdictions. This advice should the guide the Club’s leadership on how best to operate at the local level in this time of uncertainty.
“There are some universal precautions, simple and effective things, that if followed will help us to reduce the risk of infection to ourselves and those around us regardless of our jurisdiction. I urge Leos and Lions throughout the District to take heed of the guidance provided by the World Health Organization (WHO); these include:
- Cleaning your hands regularly with an alcohol-based rub or soap and water.
- Covering your mouth and nose with your elbow if you cough or sneeze.
- Staying at home if you are sick.
- Avoiding unnecessary travel and large social gatherings (there are country specific guidelines that define a large gathering).
- Complying with the advice of local or national health authorities.
- Finding and sharing reliable information and not circulating “fake news” that does not come from known and trusted sources.
“It is natural for us to be afraid. This pandemic has “thrown up” many unanswered questions and arguably none of us has experienced a public health emergency of this scale in our lifetime. But we are a resilient people and we must dig deep protect ourselves and think outside of the box while we continue “TO SERVE” in the best possible way we can in the circumstances.
“Indeed, this is a situation where vulnerable groups may need our help. The elderly, the homeless and the hungry, children and schools… our response needs to be guided by wisdom and the necessary precautions should be in line with our famous saying, “where there is a need there is a Lion”.
“This is a time when Lions are called to assist in any way possible with national programmes to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. With God’s help and with wisdom let us continue to reach out where possible. This may mean providing care for elderly, helping Lions who may be affected, etc. What you can do will depend on your context and capabilities, but I would like to think that total paralysis is not an option.
“We are living in a dynamic situation; things are changing daily. Let us keep informed and with wisdom, the necessary precautions and God’s help and protection continue to serve offering ‘Service Without Boundaries, Touching Lives, Transforming Communities.’”