14/03/2020
*A statement from Fossil Free Maastricht concerning CoViD19 (coronavirus)*
The latest figures put the number of CoViD19 infections in the Netherlands at 804. [for more info, keep checking https://www.rivm.nl/en/news/current-information-about-novel-coronavirus-covid-19].
It is important for us to remember that those who are likely to suffer most from CoViD19 are those who are already some of the most vulnerable in society: those with health conditions that mean they experience more severe symptoms, older people, those who cannot afford to take several weeks off work, those with immune disorders like HIV, those without stable or suitable housing. These are often communities that already experience oppression and the intersections with class, ability, age, and often race (in the case, for example, of refugees), are clear.
For many of us, CoViD19 may just be a flu. But if you are one of those for whom this is the case, then you are in a position of privilege. Combatting these inequalities is a fundamental part of what we stand for at Fossil Free.
We therefore urge all our supporters to follow the advice from the government and other sources – wash your hands regularly, don’t touch your face, cough/sneeze into your elbow, minimise social contact (especially in big groups), and self-isolate if you have any flu symptoms. These measures will help protect you, but they are also to minimise the spread to others and to lower the risk that this virus poses to some of the most vulnerable in our community. They will help to slow down the spread of the virus so that all cases can be dealt with effectively by the health system.
It is important not to panic: running out to the shops and hoarding toilet roll and pasta is unlikely to help you, and may have a harmful impact on others who are less able to take such steps. This is a time for us all to come together for each other and for the community. This is a time to stand up against the hate and racism of the kind we have seen against some, including here in Maastricht.
We at Fossil Free are following the official guidelines from the Dutch Government and will be monitoring the situation closely over the coming days. We have not as yet cancelled our next weekly meeting as it is well within the ‘safe limit’ of 30 persons, but we may yet do so if it seems wise over the coming week.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
**If you or anyone you know is particularly vulnerable and needs help getting groceries or cleaning supplies from the supermarket so as to avoid exposure, get in touch and we will try and coordinate such help.**
Stay safe, stay informed, wash your hands, and keep the fire burning!
