Amid concerns of the global coronavirus pandemic, and national and local efforts to prevent its spread, Rotary Club of Mineral Wells has suspended weekly meetings through at least the end of March.
Club leaders will reassess its meetings and events, including the 16th Annual Rotary Crazy Kicker bike ride planned for April 18.
Plans are for the 4-Way Test Speech Contest to take this Thursday, March 19, at the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce. Typically fewer than 10 people – contestants and judges – attend and the club will take measures to provide a safe environment.
Rotarians have been meeting weekly on Wednesdays in Classroom I at Palo Pinto General Hospital for lunch, socializing, updates on club news and a program of interest. On Friday, PPGH implemented measures in response to the coronavirus and COVID-19 outbreak, which included eliminating community meetings and restricting public access to the cafeteria.
Anticipating those hospital steps, club leaders earlier in the week began looking at meeting location alternatives but it became clear the responsible thing to do was suspend meetings for the short term and make further decisions in the coming days and weeks.
The decision comes in the wake of President Donald Trump on Friday declaring the virus outbreak a national health emergency. Schools, churches and businesses are taking their own steps to protect the public in hopes the virus can be stopped sooner rather than later.
“While there are presently no reported cases of coronavirus or COVID-19 locally, we believe this is the right and responsible thing to do for our members and community,” said club President David May. “While some think the national response has been over-reaction in some cases, being proactive will keep many people from becoming infected, and will save lives.”
People are urged to follow the recommendations put out by the CDC to help prevent infection and spreading the disease, which include avoiding large public gatherings and washing your hands frequently. For more information on the virus and prevention go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.