The BMW Car Club of America and the BMW Car Club of America Foundation are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our members, chapter leaders, boards, staff, and guests. We are carefully monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and all communications from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); federal, state, and local governmental agencies; and local health officials to keep abreast of this ever-changing situation.
We have received (many) questions from chapter leadership and members in regard to the planning and execution of upcoming events in the face of the current COVID-19 outbreak.
It is now clear that large gatherings, particularly those that are held indoors, are not advisable. Several states and municipal governments have prohibited gatherings of more than 250 people. Others have recommended limiting gatherings to 50 people or fewer. With respect to these health advisories, the Board of the BMW CCA has just announced the cancellation of its upcoming April 4 Board Meeting, Annual Meeting, and Cars and Coffee in Greer, South Carolina.
As you consider whether to cancel, postpone, delay, or hold an upcoming event, we strongly recommend the following:
- All chapters must follow the direction of the CDC and all federal, state, and local governmental regulatory bodies and agencies.
- If you proceed with any event, be advised that equipment, driving suits, helmets, balaclavas, gloves, headgear of any sort, etc. should not be shared.
- Maintain sanitary conditions to the best of your ability, including but not limited to, providing hand sanitizer and soap for the washing of hands.
- Avoid physical contact as much as possible.
- Move classroom activities outside or online whenever possible and try to maintain at least six feet of space between individuals.
- Most importantly, common sense must prevail here with the understanding that this is an unusual and very fluid situation. If you are hosting an event, please remind your attendees and organizational team to stay home if they are feeling ill.
For those hosting Tire Rack Street Survival programs, please note that even if it is beyond the cancellation period, a more liberal cancellation policy will be applied as needed. Both the Club and the Foundation will use our websites, BimmerLife, email and Facebook pages to communicate any changes to our activities. Please check these regularly.
Again, regulations will vary by state and locality. Please be certain that you are following the laws of your state, locality, and all announcements by the CDC and other federal regulators. We are in unprecedented territory. While what we do is important and fun, we must keep things in perspective.
The safety and security of our guests, students, members, staff, and leaders remains our highest priority.
As always, thank you for your membership in and support of the BMW Car Club of America and the BMW Car Club of America Foundation. We are here to help in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions. We look forward to serving our members and providing safe, fun, and educational events in 2020 and beyond.—Chris Hennecy