NAFAS – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statement (updated 9th April 2020)
Over the last few weeks, since our last statement, there has been much change to the COVID-19 guidelines set by the Government, the World Health Organisation and the UK NHS.
The health and safety of our members, staff and visitors is our priority.
We, as your National Association’s President, National Officers, CEO, Directors and staff have continued to work on your behalf to provide support for the whole membership. There are two ways that we have enabled our continued support and communication:
1) Our Head Office staff are working from home following the Government Guidelines, so you are still able to communicate with Head Office in the normal way by phone and email.
2) We, your Board of Directors are now holding weekly Virtual Board meetings, every Friday at 11am thereby increasing the frequency of these meetings, so that we can lead the way forwards and respond to the everchanging circumstances.
After each Board meeting, we are releasing the Minutes from the previous week to the Area Chairmen, to aid swift communication of decisions, guidance and help.
In addition to those meetings, through technology, interim discussions and decision making is taking place. We are constantly investigating how we can aid communication to and from your clubs and Areas to NAFAS, and indeed between your Areas, encouraging peer support. We acknowledge that the website is not functioning at an appropriate level, so we have prioritised the design and build of a new website, about which we will keep you informed.
Recently we have postponed or cancelled NAFAS events for the foreseeable future. This decision has not been taken lightly, but bearing in mind that, even if we were to come out of this period of lockdown, many will initially, quite rightly, be very reticent at coming together in large numbers. We are also not clear of timescales and whether there might be a second wave of infections leading to another lockdown. As you will appreciate, it’s difficult to offer advice about future meetings while the Government lockdown remains in place. Once this has been lifted, we will be able to start making plans again and rescheduling our meetings.”
Please note, all decisions made are the responsibility of the Club or Area. There may be local considerations to be aware of too, for example, a member of a club may contract the virus. Please contact Head Office should you have any concerns or for full information and guidelines about Coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit the NHS website – www.nhs.uk
It is the responsibility of the Club and Area Chairmen to fulfil their contractual obligations to a Demonstrator if a meeting is cancelled at short notice, especially if flowers have already been purchased. Please honour your responsibilities.
In addition to communication, your Board really encourages you to be creative in the strange situation we find ourselves in. There are lots of ways online that we can show to the world our love of flowers to brighten outlooks and lift spirits. Technology is providing an important way of virtually meeting together to share this passion, so please go to the following Facebook Pages:
•NAFAS •Friends of NAFAS • Flower Arrangers • Your Area Your Club
Also follow •The Flower Arranger social media
Don’t forget to view your own Area websites and Newsletters.
Stop Press – *The Flower Arranger is out this week. Remember it does come out in digital form as well*
If there are any changes to the current recommendations from the Government or the World Health Organisation, we will review, react to and communicate their instructions promptly.