SUGGESTED COVID-19 GUIDELINES
FOR ROTARY CLUBS of DISTRICT 5500
In an effort to assist the Rotary Clubs of our District, we are providing the following Suggested Guidelines as we prepare and adjust for the “New Normal” as restrictions are being lifted in Arizona. We suggest that all Rotary Clubs implement these or some similar guidelines. This document of Suggested Guidelines does not constitute a personal endorsement by the District Governor nor a District 5500 endorsement by the Leadership Team. This Suggested Guidelines document is considered a service to clubs looking for guidance in conducting in-person meetings during this recovery time.

In addition to the Suggested Guidelines, Clubs and our District are advised to follow government guidelines and recommendations.
 
Rotary International and Rotary District 5500 are monitoring the pandemic of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, and continuously assessing the potential impact on Rotary operations, events, and members.  Your health and safety are always our top priorities. Read below for information on Rotary activities that may be affected, in addition to suggested guidelines for your club.
 
As this is a rapidly evolving situation, all guidance here is to be considered in light of the most recent orders of local, state and federal government. If governmental guidance is more stringent, follow the governmental orders.
Reliable sources of COVID-19 information include the CDC, AHDS, WHO, RICOVID19 Guidelines, and Ducey EO.

 
It is important during this difficult time that we take care of our Rotary Club members whose health and safety are of paramount importance. We want to keep members connected and safe at the same time!
 
•      Arrange to continue holding the club meetings virtually until all local and state restrictions have been lifted.
 
•      Should in-person club meetings be held, clubs may want to consider live-streaming the meeting or recording it to
accommodate members who are not in attendance. Other meeting alternatives may also be considered.
 
•      Confirm that in-person club meetings and events follow local government recommendations.
 
•      Confirm that your meeting venue is open and available for the in-person meeting.
 
•      Determine if the meeting venue has their own regulations and/or restrictions pertaining to group meetings. (For example: some venues may not allow for groups of more than a set number of individuals to meet and/or require that individuals be seated at least six (6) feet apart.)
 
•      No in-person club meetings or events will be considered mandatory for any Rotary club member who is uncomfortable attending and attendance is excused without requiring any reason.
 
•      Masks are encouraged to be worn at all in-person club meetings and events.
 
•      Hand sanitizer should be provided at all in-person club meetings and events.
 
•      Request that no personal contact occur between members, including shaking hands, hugging, kissing, etc.
 
•      The Rotary meeting speaker(s) should be provided a "no contact" buffer of six (6) feet or more.
 
•      If a member feels he or she may be ill from Covid-19, they must notify the club officers at which time appropriate safety measures be taken immediately.
 
•      Please be advised that beginning July 1st, 2020 the insurance coverage provided by Rotary International for clubs and districts may not cover COVID-19 related liabilities.
 
NOTE: These overriding guidelines are solely for the health and safety of our Rotary club members.
District 5500 will continue to host meetings and events virtually and will not be hosting any in-person meetings and in-person events at this time.
 
Please contact District Governor Ellie Patterson with any questions or concerns you may have:  ellie.patterson1@outlook.com