Dear Members and friends,
On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that the COVID-19 outbreak has been classified as a Pandemic. In response, the Australian Federal and State Governments have introduced measures designed to slow the spread of the virus, including restricting gatherings and encouraging social distancing measures.
As an association with wide ranging hospitality-based membership, the Sommeliers Australia National Executive Committee (NEC) feels that in this current situation, our organisation has a responsibility to be part of a broad community effort in slowing the spread of the virus and protect those more vulnerable against the virus.
In an effort to protect our Members, staff and friends of the association, all Sommeliers Australia events and face-to-face committee meetings scheduled between now and 30 April will be postponed.
The NEC will continue to monitor the situation, and will provide updates on Sommeliers Australia activities where possible.
The next weeks and months will undoubtedly be difficult across many sectors of the Australian economy, including the hospitality industry. No one will be untouched by this pandemic situation.
Our thoughts are with our Members during this time.
Sincerely,
Sarah Andrew & Chris Crawford
Co-Presidents, Sommeliers Australia
World Health Organisation advice for protecting yourself and others:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and/or alcohol-based sanitizers
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover your mouth or nose when you sneeze or cough
- Maintain distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
- If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing yourself, seek medical attention.
For more information about the COVID-19 situation:
World Health Organisation:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
Australian Government:
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
