Commodore Russell Marcks
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a very difficult and complicated set of problems for the world. Each country, and within the USA each state, has implemented a set of health and economic orders and plans to improve health and minimize fatalities. Ohio has a very specific set of orders and recommendations on how businesses, organizations, and individuals should operate. Ohio's orders and recommendations are changing frequently as Ohio brings back its economy. Currently most businesses will be open in some form by the end of May, but there are still major restrictions on the number of people that can gather. These orders significantly impact the ability of HBYC to carry out its typical summer program of socials, cruising and racing activities.
None-the-less, we are attempting to do as much as possible within the edicts described above. We hope these restrictions will be lifted, but presently they remain in place. You can review Ohio's health and business orders at their website: coronavirus.ohio.gov. Whether you follow current events closely or not, question what you read or hear about whether COVID-19 is true or not, whether you question the severity of this pandemic, and/or whether you question the authorities involved, the fact remains there are Ohio health and business orders we MUST follow. The Governor of Ohio has encouraged citizens that feel unsafe in their work or social environment to talk to leaders of the organization and call the local department of health with their concerns. The Erie County General Health District Headquarters are immediately adjacent to the HBYC building; our and marina activities are in full view of those that work there. As far as HBYC is concerned, we have increased clubhouse cleaning to five days per week, have provided additional hand sanitizer supplies, and have opened-up interior space to minimize personal contact and promote social distancing. We have also removed a few picnic tables minimize personal contact and to promote social distancing; there is about eight feet between tables.
The biggest problem we currently face is a lack of social distancing inside and outside (patio) the clubhouse. We simply need to minimize the congregation of large groups of people. We MUST comply with Ohio's orders and the marina rules. Please see your recent Safe Harbor email about their polices. Failure to comply with social distancing rules could put our club and/or the marina in jeopardy of being closed. This would be devastating to everyone; is outward defiance truly worth this risk? The marina is working on a way to open the pool as soon as possible but must see official CDC guidelines on how to do so in a safe and productive matter. At this time the state has not released the official guidelines and may take a bit of time to get a plan in place once the guidelines are released.
Another change from the marina is the bathhouses will be closed to all members from 6:00am-7:00am Monday-Sunday and 2:00pm-3:00pm Friday-Sunday for a deep clean and disinfectant. We ask that no member use the facilities at the time to make for a safe and efficient cleaning. We tried to pick times that wouldn’t affect too many people and apologize in advance for any inconvenience. Please respect other people, your friends, your relatives, marina employees, and other marina customers by practicing Ohio's and the marina's orders and recommendations. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of the four signatories below.
Russell Marcks, Commodore
Tim Kemerley, Vice-Commodore
Janell Lundgren, Rear Commodore
Jared Pavlik, General Manager Safe Harbor Sandusky and HBYC Trustee
