Note: In the interest of helping everyone staying safe from COVID-19, below is useful information from Johns Hopkins Hospital. They provided much of the information earlier during the pandemic. In an abundance of caution, they wanted to reinforce the need to continue to protect ourselves and others.

From Johns Hopkins Hospital

The COVID-19  virus is not a living organism. It is a protein molecule (RNA or DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular (eyes), nasal (nose) or buccal mucosa (mouth), changes their genetic code (mutates) and converts into aggressor and multiplier cells.

-- Since the virus is not a living organism, but is a protein molecule, it cannot be killed.  It has to decay on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

-- The COVID-19 virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat and that is the reason why soap or detergent is the best weapon. The foam CUTS THE FAT (that is why you have to scrub for 20 seconds or more, to create lots of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down.

-- Heat melts fat; this is why it is necessary to use water above 77F degrees for hand washing, laundry and cleaning surfaces. In addition, hot water makes more foam, making it more effective.

-- Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ALL FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

-- Any solution with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaking it down from the inside.

-- Oxygenated water increases the effectiveness of soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein.  However, because you have to use it in its pure form, it can damage your skin.

-- NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC WILL WORK because the virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.

-- The virus molecules remain very stable at colder temperatures, including air conditioning in houses and cars. They also need moisture and darkness to stay stable. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade the virus faster.

-- UV LIGHT on any object that may contain the virus breaks down the protein.  Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.

-- The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

-- Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

-- NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is only 40% alcohol, and you need a minimum of 65%.

-- The more confined the space, the higher the concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

-- You have to wash your hands before and after touching any commonly used surfaces such as: mucosa (mouth area) , food, locks, knobs, switches, remotes, cell phones, watches, computers, desks, etc. and don't forget when you use the bathroom.

-- You have to MOISTURIZE YOUR HANDS due to frequent washing.  Dry hands have cracks and the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.

-- Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

If you are a member of the Sophisticated Gents of Florida and are reading this, YOU are in luck! Due to the isolation required to remain safe from COVID, we are especially concerned because WE CARE about you and want to know that you and your family are safe! 

So, in that regard, your Executive Board has undertaken an initiative that offers a new and additional method of communicating with you.  We know that 87% of us read our TEXT messages quickly, while it may be days, or weeks in some cases, before 60% of us bother to check our emails. 

Here's what you need to do to help us, help you:

1. Go to our website: www.sophisticatedgentsfl.org
2. Click on the man-like icon to log in. 
3. If you forgot your password, click on the 'forgot password' button to request a new one.
4. After signing in, highlight the 'View Profile' link.
5. Your information will appear. This is where you can review your file to make any necessary changes.
6. If your cell phone number is accurate, you are finished. Thank you.
7. If you don't have a cell phone number, please insert a cell number of your spouse, grandkids, girlfriend, or whoever else you trust to get your messages.  IMPORTANT: Text messages can only be sent through a cell phone, a land line won't do!

We will be 'texting' you from time to time on your cell phone to notify you of important information about your club, as well as making sure you and your family are safe during these difficult times. Remember, WE CARE!