Hi All,
I have had a response from half the members of the group who have all supported cancelling some sessions.
This afternoon all convenors received an email from U3A President, Dorothy Weber, saying that U3A classes will continue if convenors are comfortable with that. If convenors don’t want to lead their class, that class will close down. U3A will continue to use the room until the council or government close it down
I think I have made it clear in my last two emails that I have serious concerns about continuing to hold the Sustainability sessions.
My concerns are based on the following:
The 65+ age group is at significant risk from the COVID-19 virus. Many people in the Sustainability group are in that age group.
The risk is even greater for people in the 80+ age group and we have a number of members within that group.
The greatest risk from the virus is to those in the 65+ age group with pre-existing medical conditions and there are a number of people who are in this category.
Government guidelines say that sharing a room for 2 hours with a person who is infected (but may not be aware of that) can lead to the spreading of the virus.
U3A sessions last for two hours in a closed environment.
We are also strongly advised to practice social distancing to prevent the spread, i.e. staying at least one and a half metres away from each other.
I don’t believe that is really possible in the U3A room with more than 10 people, and what about when we go into the kitchen to get our cuppa?
For these reasons I believe the safest option is to cancel Sustainability sessions for a number of weeks.
There will be no Sustainability session this Friday (March 20) and I believe I should also cancel the two sessions that would have been held in April.
I will review the situation in late April.
However, I will not let Sustainability just ‘fade away’ as I will continue email contact with you and continue to provide articles for you to read.
Of course we will miss the discussion but if anyone wants to share comments about any of the articles that can also be done by email.
I have some very interesting articles lined up. I may send one around early next week.
Everyone please take notice of the advice from government authorities and stay safe and healthy.
Regards,
John
I have had a response from half the members of the group who have all supported cancelling some sessions.
This afternoon all convenors received an email from U3A President, Dorothy Weber, saying that U3A classes will continue if convenors are comfortable with that. If convenors don’t want to lead their class, that class will close down. U3A will continue to use the room until the council or government close it down
I think I have made it clear in my last two emails that I have serious concerns about continuing to hold the Sustainability sessions.
My concerns are based on the following:
The 65+ age group is at significant risk from the COVID-19 virus. Many people in the Sustainability group are in that age group.
The risk is even greater for people in the 80+ age group and we have a number of members within that group.
The greatest risk from the virus is to those in the 65+ age group with pre-existing medical conditions and there are a number of people who are in this category.
Government guidelines say that sharing a room for 2 hours with a person who is infected (but may not be aware of that) can lead to the spreading of the virus.
U3A sessions last for two hours in a closed environment.
We are also strongly advised to practice social distancing to prevent the spread, i.e. staying at least one and a half metres away from each other.
I don’t believe that is really possible in the U3A room with more than 10 people, and what about when we go into the kitchen to get our cuppa?
For these reasons I believe the safest option is to cancel Sustainability sessions for a number of weeks.
There will be no Sustainability session this Friday (March 20) and I believe I should also cancel the two sessions that would have been held in April.
I will review the situation in late April.
However, I will not let Sustainability just ‘fade away’ as I will continue email contact with you and continue to provide articles for you to read.
Of course we will miss the discussion but if anyone wants to share comments about any of the articles that can also be done by email.
I have some very interesting articles lined up. I may send one around early next week.
Everyone please take notice of the advice from government authorities and stay safe and healthy.
Regards,
John
