With the advent of the Delta and Omicron variants, there is good reason to be cautious for vulnerable members of society. Individuals should do what they need to protect themselves. Many Oregonians have now had vaccines and being outdoors is quite protective. There are times within our workshops that participants may need to get closer together to see what the instructor is talking about. I will do my best to accommodate participants who need to distance more than others. Do not attend if you are not feeling well the day of your workshop. Indoors, we can be in tight quarters particularly during Rendezvous events for food processing and educational interactions, so masks are suggested there if you have any concerns.
I take this pandemic seriously. Seriously enough to have closed my business for all of 2020 and delayed the start of my 2021 season. 2022 will be treated as a normal season unless conditions change again.
Some history on my own direct experience:
Both my brothers were in critical condition early 2021 and almost lost their lives after getting Covid-19. They were both unvaccinated. One had a healthy lifestyle and no underlying medical conditions, the other was at a disadvantage. Both brothers are now dealing with possibly permanent fatigue, lung damage, and long Covid which may cause additional complications when they get older. An unvaccinated friend just died within three days of contracting the Delta variant in November 2021 and thousands of people are still dying of it each day. One of my friends lost two family members, another, after getting out of the hospital had weakness, fatigue, and lethargy for six months and is still recovering. My housemate got covid, was not hospitalized, but was continually nauseous and vomiting for three weeks until she recovered. Imagine being nauseous and vomiting for three weeks! Her memory has suffered since. I am sure some of you have lost loved ones or friends to this disease. I take this pandemic seriously. Seriously enough to have closed my business for all of 2020 and delayed the start of my 2021 season to adapt.
I recommend everyone get the vaccine. I am fully vaccinated and will be overjoyed when this pandemic is behind us.
If you have questions call 503-775-3828 between 2 and 6pm Pacific time, any day.
Thanks,
John Kallas, Ph.D., Director, Wild Food Adventures
Institute for the Study of Edible Wild Plants and Other Foragables
422 SE 49th Ave, Portland, OR 97215
(503) 775-3828 mail@wildfoodadventures.com