[Massachusetts-NFB] our open list and Covid

[sharawinton at gmail.com]

Happy Holidays Everyone! 

I hope everyone is  happy and keeping healthy. We know for sure that we have
at least one member who tested positive for Covid, let's keep this person in
our prayers. A stomach virus, the influenza and many other bugs are all
around us. 

Each of us, when   entering any public event are at risk of catching any of
these and even more undesirable things from the people we encounter. Those
who are at high risk, do not usually expose themselves at all. 

Currently the CDC nor the state of Massachusetts is requiring that anyone
prove their COVID status, their vaccination status or to wear a mask. We the
NFB, are  following these standards of practice. 

We have many other members with serious medical issues, dealing with family
loss and tragedy, and going through many very difficult times. I ask that we
all practice compassion, understanding, and patience with each other. 

The most important thing that we can give each other,  is kindness, empathy,
love and understanding. 

Anyone who was at the Cambridge  Holiday party was exposed. Thankfully, as
soon as this person knew of their positive status, they reached out, to ask
us, to let everyone know that they were exposed. There is not one of us in
that room that was more exposed than any other. I happen to know that this
person and some others did wear masks during the gathering. Therefore, it is
not likely that any of us got the virus. Again, if it had been a server, an
Uber driver or someone else, none of us would know that we  were absolutely
exposed. Our member was gracious and responsible enough to let us know. The
identity of the person is  irrelevant and revealing their identity is an
invasion of privacy. 

I opened this list so that everyone could post about NFB matters and other
events that might be of interest to this community. However, if debating,
squabbling, name calling or anything unpleasant occurs,  we will be forced
to make it an announcement list only again. I don't want this to happen,
because I like that we can all post about things that are important to us. 

So if you have an issue, please contact your chapter president, a member of
the board or me privately to discuss the matter. I believe in all of you and
I feel strongly that we are all capable of being respectful, kind and
mature. This doesn't mean that our emotions are not important, because they
are, but this list is not the place to display them.

We do not require vaccination or testing before you come to our events, but
both are suggested. Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should test
themselves, and if positive cancel their plans to join us. If you begin to
experience symptoms and /or test positive, or if you just aren't feeling
well, we kindly ask that you do not join us, so that we all may stay healthy
and we can continue to meet in person. 

I hope each of you have a fantastic Holiday Season and we will see you in
the New Year!! 

  

 

Warmly, 

    

Shara Winton

President, National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts

617-600-8130

Visit NFB MA Website for more information

Visit the NFB website for more info

Visit us on Facebook
<https://www.facebook.com/National-Federation-of-the-Blind-of-Massachusetts-
1593379944322253> 

"You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back."

 

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