No Yoga Mar 16 – 21: Coronavirus / Covid19
No Yoga Mar 16 – 21: Coronavirus / Covid19
Her are the reasons why we felt compelled to make this decision…..
I started the weekend thinking I will definitely offer classes from Mar 16 – 21, but now it seems cancelling classes is the only reasonable option. For some of you, that may be all you need to hear, while others may wish to know more. So for the latter group, here are the factors that led to this decision.
- Decision made for me: On Friday, Northeast Community Center (NECC) announced that they were shutting down at least until March 29. And Sunday morning, St James Parish requested me to suspend classes at their location. That means two of our five or six locations were already out of the picture.
- Reaching out: I conferred with Jaya as well as with a number of you about whether to hold classes or not. It was extremely helpful to hear your thinking on this, and ultimately, as the weekend culminated, more and more of you felt it appropriate to cancel classes, as disappointing a reality as that was to consider.
- Yoga teacher, not CDC expert: My background is in yoga, not pandemics. So I really have no business making a decision that goes against the prevailing recommendations of experts from both the private and public sectors. For those looking for more info, here are excellent resources from the CDC and WHO.
- Incubation period: By most reports, the incubation period is ten days. That means a person can be walking around asymptomatic for more than a week. That is just too much of a risk factor to deal with, not to mention the amount of time surfaces can remain contaminated by the coronavirus – reference WebMD.
- Overburdened healthcare system: Some of you affiliated with local hospitals told how already the system is under duress, and if we can avoid further taxing it, then we should take every step possible not to add to their case load.
- Far more to lose: As much as we all enjoy gathering collectively for our yoga practice, the potential for contracting and / or spreading the disease far outweighs any other consideration.
- Passes & podcasts: All monthly passes will be put on hold during this interim period. I will aim to record some new podcasts during this time.
- Thank you: Your understanding is well appreciated. Stay safe and hopefully this will come to a fairly swift resolution. I will check in with you next week about this….
This is all so sad. The yogic breathing techniques you’ve taught me have definitely been helping with my anxiety over this.
Hi Nancy,
Hopefully, we shall all be back together soon…🙏
Hi Satyam, Even though I moved away I still receive your emails, which I love reading. Your reasons for closing classes is the most thorough and thought out process I’ve seen yet. None of the studios here gave their reasons. I especially like the one about you’re not a CDC expert. That really touched me in a good way. Thank you for sharing your reasons, it helps me know that I’m doing the right thing by making a decision to not go to classes.
Hi Susan
Great hearing from you – you have been missed in these parts…glad to hear the reasoning was helpful. Wishing you well in these unusual times… 🙏
Hi Satyam, I am sorry that we will not be together in person but you have provided everyone with ways to experience the charm and joy of our practice with you! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on cancelling practice for a time. I am so sorry for the loss of income and know we are all here to support our great teacher and friend. Mary Mc
Thank you kindly Mary for your supportive words. We WILL get through this – together. Look forward to practicing again soon…🙏