Joseph wrote:

>>I believe our ringing schedule should continue as normal under current circumstances. If taking a preventive measure helps, I would cancel practices, but service ringing would remain the same. If the virus or the Boston area becomes more at risk, then cancel all unfortunately. <<

This is an interesting compromise. If we do a very good job of sanitation, I would feel pretty safe within a tower, but I'm starting to wonder about the T (which is how I get *to* the tower). I do plan to use it tonight (unrelated to ringing).

>>In the meantime, I wonder if there is research or methods to cleaning or disinfecting the ropes without damaging the material in the process. We should start thinking of common surfaces to disinfect as good measure (door knobs, benches, water disposal button, etc). <<

I talked about this with Michael (our no-longer-resident virus expert). I suggested using alcohol wipes on the ropes, but he said that it might be too superficial to get the germs. I will try to find out if spraying alcohol solution directly onto the tail and sallies would cause damage. I think it might make more sense just to have all ringers sanitize before every touch (although our bottle of sanitizer might run out pretty quickly if we do that). We could be like the Nine Tailors folks and stick to one bell each, requiring less cleaning. I had already planned to bring in wipes on Saturday to do the doorknobs, handrails, and bathroom fixtures.

Old North as a congregation is following the Diocese of Massachusetts guidelines for services - no touching other people during the peace, no chalice during communion, very specific hand sanitation guidelines for all the clergy and helpers. I don't know what the historical site is doing with tour groups. The Old North web site is still promoting a lecture on the 31st and the Lantern Service on April 19th. We'll see if those change - the Lantern service usually has as many people crammed in as will fit without violating the fire code.

Laura Dickerson