With the coronavirus (coronavirus is a general name for a type of virus, the actual name of this specific virus is COVID-19) dominating the news recently, the Grand Lodge has gathered several authoritative resources for you to get the best, most accurate information on the virus, its spread, and prevention techniques. Special thanks to RWB Adam Tager, who works in emergency management for the government, and our Grand Lodge Physician, Dr. Jean Marcelin, Jr., MD for compiling these resources.

They are quick to point out that at this point, there is no cure or vaccine for the virus, so the best prevention method is to avoid exposure to the virus. This is especially critical for the most at-risk groups: children under 5 years old, adults over 65, and those with compromised immune systems or multiple medical issues like diabetes, heart failure, asthma, emphysema, liver disease, etc.

We will continue to update our website and official member communications (like our newsletters) with any new information or recommendations going forward. Until then, here are the most important things to know:

• Control the spread of the virus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html and https://www.ready.gov/pandemic
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. (~6 feet).  That includes refraining from handshakes or other forms of affection (using the sign of fidelity is a great way to avoid this).
  • Use disposable tissue, and shelve the handkerchief.
  • When you are sick, keep your distance from others AND stay home to protect them from getting sick too. Seek medical care, but to control exposure to others, call your medical provider before going in.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, paper towel, or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
  • Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs, and is the BEST prevention method available. Check this link for proper hand washing technique according to the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
  • Use Hand Sanitizer if washing can’t be accomplished, but make sure the sanitizer is 60-95% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
• Any mitigating actions we should consider:
  • Based on the link above, we should encourage Brethren to refrain from unnecessary touching, wash their hands often (especially before eating).
  • Pitch in with your Brothers to clean and disinfect the Lodge room and any equipment before and after each meeting.
  • Begin to investigate the possibility of “virtual meetings”, except for your Lodge Communications, through the use of technology.
  • Obviously, avoid unnecessary travel to countries with outbreaks: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
• What safety equipment we should stockpile now, if any: We don’t need to go crazy, but they’re suggesting starting to stock canned goods to last 2 weeks-30 days in case supermarkets close or are not able to be restocked: https://www.ready.gov/kit