Coronavirus and Upcoming Virtual Meetings

Dear Stonewallers,

At Stonewall, we consider our members family.  At this time of national emergency, we want to avoid any risk, no matter how small, to the health of our family.  For that reason, we have decided to host a virtual membership meeting instead of our regularly scheduled in-person meeting on March 23.  Details on how you can participate will follow soon. Rest assured that we are continuing our work to help elect progressive Democrats, and to support legislation that is important to the LGBTQ+ community and promotes social and economic justice.  Please follow our weekly political email and other communications for ways you can get involved. 

During this time, Stonewall would like to strongly urge that all of our members observe the following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines:

Steps to Prevent Illness

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Take steps to protect yourself

Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Stay home if you’re sick

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. 

Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

  • If you are sick:  You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. 
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Note: Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.

For more information, visit the CDC website here.  

Resources for Impacts to Workplace or Employment

For disability benefits due to contracting or being exposed to Coronavirus, paid family and employee leave, information on reduced work hours or workplace shut down, and assistance if you are an employer seeking support to avoid laying off workers during a period of social distancing--please visit the State of California's Employment Development Department website here. 

Please take care of yourselves.

 

Democratically yours,

Lester Aponte

President, Stonewall Democratic Club