Greetings ASA Members,
As you’re probably aware the Centre reopened on February 14th. Presently there are about 22 activities running with more to be added in the near future. We are operating at a 50% capacity limit but that is scheduled to increase to 75% March 1st.
As of March 1, 2022, the Ontario Government and the Town of Aurora are dropping their mandatory vaccine policy. It will no longer be necessary to show proof of vaccine to participate in Town programs. However, the ASA recently sent out a survey to our members on the subject of vaccine mandates. We received over 500 hundred responses. Thank you to all who participated.
Over 79% of the respondents expressed that they would prefer we continue with a vaccine mandate at the Centre for those wishing to participate in in-person activities. As a result, the Board has decided to maintain our vaccine mandate. It will remain in effect till the end of March when it will be reevaluated. The mandatory Liability Waiver will also remain
until the end of March when we reassess it as well.
The Covid Screening Form used for members entering the building has been dropped by both the Town and the ASA so you will not be screened each time. We do however ask that you read the Covid questions posted on the front door and avoid entering if you answer yes to any of the questions.
The Governments are maintaining the mask protocols as are we at the ASA. We will continue to move with caution and continuously reevaluate the situation with our members health and welfare being first in mind. I am pleased to report that most of our members are fully vaccinated including receiving the important booster vaccine. Vaccines will not prevent
you from contracting COVID-19 but in an overwhelming number of cases they dramatically reduce the symptoms. Most people report having mild to moderate flu/cold symptoms.
Some exciting news to report is that the ASA will be having the first AGM in three years on June 8th. It will be a hybrid meeting with both in person and Zoom options. Choose whichever venue you are most comfortable with but please choose to attend. We want to have input from as many members as possible. Your ideas, suggestions and yes complaints, help us improve the ASA for everyone. Please send your comments to myself or any of the other Board members. We sincerely invite your input. The ASA may never be the same as in was before the pandemic but I believe it can be even better!
On a personal note I can report that my wife Linda and I have recently had Covid. Like so many people we got it from a grandchild. In fact of our four adult children and their families only one group hasn’t had it. Again, no one got very sick with everyone experiencing a variety of cold or flu like symptoms for a few days. I would like to say THANK YOU to science for
providing us with these truly life saving vaccines! The bottom line is that Covid is here to stay and we are all going to have to learn to live with it as being a part of the “new normal”. But thanks to the incredible achievements in science and medicine with both vaccines and better treatment protocols that is entirely possible.
Just like Spring, that is just around the corner, it’s time for us to emerge from the isolation we’ve been enduring and start
taking back our lives. It’s time, with a modicum of caution and sensible behaviour, to rejoin our families and friends and start enjoying each other again. Already the sounds of friendly conversation and laughter are ringing through the halls of the Seniors Centre and I can think of no better balm for our spirits. So come on back to the Centre where you’ve been missed!
Thanks and see you soon,
Dave LeGallais
