The following statement has been released by the Order offering advice and support to members and guidance on protocol at this time of national emergency.
“As an Order we have been carefully monitoring the advice offered by the United Kingdom Government, the Northern Ireland Health Minister and relevant local health professionals. Following the Prime Minister’s appeal to limit social interaction and his assertion that ‘now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel’ and taking the decisions of our fellow Loyal Orders into consideration, we have reluctantly taken the step to advise encampments to postpone meeting and events.
As an Order with proud hospitaller traditions and a keen interest in the health and care of the most vulnerable in society we will be playing an active part in what will be a national fight against this pandemic. We can all do our part in the battle ahead, by following the advice of health professionals and by looking after one another.
As an Order we will be moving our meetings and administration to a remote digital format to ensure the safety of members while allowing essential work to continue. For updates and online alternatives to cancelled events follow our website and social media.
In practical terms we will be supporting members in frontline services such as the emergency services, armed forces and the NHS. For our many older members who are most at risk we encourage each Encampment to appoint a welfare officer to contact them and ensure they are looked after. We will be developing a range of online resources and a programme of practical help and support for members, their families and the wider community. The situation will be kept under constant review and the decisions regarding the resumption of our activities will be guided by advice from health professionals.
In spiritual terms we can draw much needed comfort from the knowledge that our God is Sovereign over all, and we his people can rely on his eternal promises. We don’t know how long this pandemic will last for but as always, we are reminded and assured by the words of Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in troubles.”
Download our Statement and Pandemic Advice Leaflet
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