Brethren, as you are surely aware Grand Lodge will begin Thursday with the exemplification of the three degrees. As you are also aware, the news is filled with reports of the Covid-19 variant of the Coronavirus. This communicable disease has not yet been reported to be in Mississippi, but we must be aware that it is real and could appear at any time.
In an effort to control any possible spread within our Masonic family, the Grand Lodge of Mississippi and the Emergency Response Committee appointed by Most Worshipful Grand Master Jason Jefcoat has a few recommendations for the session this week.
- Wash your hands. The Centers for Disease Control recommends washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or more. This has been found to be more effective than the use of hand sanitizer. However,
for those times when hand washing isn’t possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. - Avoid people who are sick.
- If you are sick, please stay home or at least stay away from other people. Keep in mind that many of our Brothers and our Eastern Star Sisters are older and not in good health. Let’s try to protect them
when we can. - We understand that asking for no hugs or handshakes is a losing proposition, but try to do these things in moderation. Remember, every time you shake hands with someone you are contacting the germs of every hand that person has gripped. Fist bumps or even a friendly hello are generally acceptable.
Practicing these simple things can help control not only the new Corona Virus but seasonal influenza and the common cold, so let’s all do these things and make the 2020 Communication of the Grand Lodge a healthy and enjoyable time for all.
We look forward to a great Grand Lodge session,
The Emergency Response Committee
