District 17 BRIDGE BUZZ
SPECIAL REPORT
MARCH 2020
We are experiencing unprecedented times due to the outbreak of the coronavirus or COVID-19. For your own safety, we urge you to follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and consider self-quarantining if you are able.
John's Journal
What can we do?
I am sure many of you are beginning to have personal impacts from the Covid pandemic. I knew both the woman who died in Colorado Springs and the Tucson player who tested positive. It is all very real.
A spike in cases has the potential to overwhelm the health care system. Our nation can battle a virus like this by dramatically reducing the frequency and duration of contact with other people. This “social distancing” strategy aims to flatten the curve. 
A graphic illustration of the potential benefits of can be found at:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/   
There is more we can do. The front line of the battle against Covid-19 involves personal hygiene: 
  • Frequently wash hands for 20+ seconds with soap and water
  • Not touching your face
  • Staying home if you or a household member feels sick
  • Use alcohol based hand sanitizers and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Sneeze or cough into a tissue and promptly dispose of it
  • Call first before visiting an ER or your doctor’s office
The bridge community needs to look out for each other. Our friends may need assistance with groceries or getting prescriptions. Tom Brokaw called our parents the “greatest generation” based upon their determination to overcome multiple adversities. Covid-19 is our great test.

John Grossmann, District 17 President
HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW
Tucson, AZ -- A member of Unit 356 who played at the Tucson Winter Regional, March 2 through 8, and at the Adobe Bridge Center, March 10 and 11, has tested positive for COVID-19. The majority of clubs within Unit 356 have now closed.  (See individual club websites for details.) Unit 356 has contacted those who participated in the regional. 
Colorado Springs, CO -- On March 13, a member of Unit 360 died from COVID-19. The player participated in games held at the Colorado Springs Bridge Center, February 27 through March 3, including an intermediate/newcomer sectional held at the site. The Colorado Springs Bridge Center is closed. A public health alert was issued in El Paso County after health officials learned that over 100 people may have been exposed to COVID-19 while at the Colorado Springs Bridge Center. This number has now increased to over 120. Volunteers contacted those who played at the club and participated in the sectional. 
Based on the most recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the ACBL has strongly recommended the cancellation or postponement of all tournaments scheduled on or before May 11, 2020. This date may change as more information becomes available. 
D17 REGIONAL
CANCELLATIONS
Phoenix NLM Gold Rush Regional
April 24-26
Scottsdale, AZ
D17 SECTIONAL
CANCELLATIONS
MARCH
19-22 Scottsdale (Mesa) AZ
21-21 Las Cruces NM (299'er)
APRIL
02-05 Colorado Springs CO
16-19 Tucson AZ
18-19 Denver CO (299'er)
24-26 Glenwood Springs CO
24-26 Las Cruces NM
 24-26 Scottsdale (Phoenix) AZ
MAY
01-03 Longmont (Boulder) CO
01-03 Santa Fe NM
02-02 T ucson AZ (NLM)
SPRING NABC CANCELED
COLUMBUS, OHIO
MARCH 19-29, 2020
The Buzz is an online newsletter that focuses on upcoming District 17 tournaments, events and breaking news and provides you with links to access the details.  
Contact  Cindy Shoemaker , editor, cndyshoemaker@yahoo.com 
with feedback and content suggestions.
For more information on District 17 activities go to d17acbl.org