[Massachusetts-NFB] our open list and Covid

[BASIL MAURICE]

Hi Shara:

I agree with you.  An open forum like this is not a good place to be discussing a particular person's health status.  I respect anyone who comes forward and voluntarily discloses whether they have covid or not.  One does not have to disclose that fact.  They should not be compelled to do so because of peer pressure.  In most cases, especially employment, for example, it is not legal to disclose this information unless the individual involved consents to it.  If this member chooses to remain annonymous, that is their right and none of us sould be judging them.  

Thank you for letting me share my thoughts and I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.  

Basil

P. S.  by the way, I wanted to let you know that Carol Ann And I have already booked our train and hotel for the Washington Seminar.  We will be leaving Springfield on Saturday January 28, 2023 and returning on February 2, 2023.  

See you in D. C.  


>     On 12/16/2022 9:19 PM Shara Winton via Massachusetts-NFB <massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
>     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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