Our guest speaker last week was Dr Stefan Lammerink, an expert on infectious diseases who spoke on the topic of "Spanish, Polio and COVID. What next?"
Dr Lammerink explained the differences between viruses and bacteria and why viruses are so much more difficult to treat, especially when a new, or novel, virus emerges. Although COVID-19 has much in common with SARS, there is much we do not know except that it is highly infectious with relatively high rate of transmission.
A fully proven vaccination, with some level of demonstrated safety and efficacy, is still many months away. Little is also yet known about either the long term effects of the disease or the level of immunity granted by exposure to a vaccine or even exposure to the disease itself.
In the meantime, what we DO know is that the usual good hygiene practices (wearing a mask, washing hands regularly and maintaining social distancing) are effective in limiting the spread. Dr Fauci of the US Centre for Diseases Control has even said that wearing a mask is likely to continue to be more effective than vaccination.
Bickles Bonfire Night, Next Monday from 6:00pm
The big one is only a week away!
Have you confirmed your attendance to Liz Wilson (Liz on 0400 117 537) and to discuss what salad or dessert you will bring to share?
Chairs and tables will be provided but BYOG/soft drinks AND your own glasses.
The cost of dinner and a raffle ticket is a modest $10.00
Sculpture for Interiors and Gardens
We need your help to ensure this year's event is bigger and better than ever; as a community service, for the benefit of the sculptors we are supporting AND, not incidentally, as a major fundraiser in a difficult 2020!
Help is needed to set up the house, the gardens and the Shelterbox tent, to help serve food and wine to guests during the VIP preview and reception, to staff the event throughout the hours of opening and to help dismantle everything afterwards. Typically, there will be one person on every day, for a 6 hour shift to act as COVID Marshall, to get visitor contact information (a COVID requirement) and to handle money and sales. Other volunteers are required to invigilate for either a 3 hour shift (2 people) or a 6 hour shift (1 person).
Please check your diaries and then go HERE to offer your support. (You may volunteer for as many shifts as your wish, of course!)
Committee Meetings on Monday
A reminder to Directors and members that Monday is Committee night. Be prepared to to review progress towards achieving your goals and to make a contribution to the planning process.
Something to make you feel better about having survived isolation...so far!
