The Marin Amateur Radio Society in interested in your health and safety in light of the COVID-19 or Novel Corona Virus. Current reports about the spread of this disease indicates that risk of infection at our meetings is very low. We have two meetings scheduled for this weekend. The general meeting on Friday 6 March and the Public Service Luncheon on Saturday 7 March. We do not intend to cancel either meeting but observing some degree of caution is a good idea. The specific reason for this email is the COVID-19 outbreak but the suggestions below apply to most of the common infectious diseases and are just good sense. Please note the following suggestions.

                1. If you think you have been in contact with someone who is infected with COVID-19 seek medical attention.

                2. If you feel unwell, particularly if you have a fever please stay home. Really, if you feel unwell please stay home.

                3. Direct physical contact is a prime method of transmitting the virus so avoiding hand shakes or hugs is a good idea and attempting either may make some people uncomfortable.

                4. If you have to cough or sneeze do so into a tissue or even better into your elbow to so there is no overspray.

                5. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. (Two times through the Happy Birthday song). Hand sanitizers are useful but not as effective as soap and water as they contain antibacterials and not antivirals.

                6. Feel free to wear a mask and or gloves.

For more information check out the Marin County Health and Human Services website at MarinHHS.org/Coronavirus

Thank you all for your assistance and I look forward to seeing you at our meetings.

73 DE WA6UDS