The National Speleological Society has announced that the 2020 NSS convention in West Virginia has been canceled because of the risks of spreading COVID-19.
The NSS has also requested that local grotto as well as regional meetings be canceled for now. Many grottos have successfully moved to online meetings instead.
Geary Schindel, the president of the NSS, sent an email message to NSS members requesting everyone to restrict caving activities that might run risks of spreading COVID-19. Excerpting, it said: “As the coronavirus spreads through our communities, it is very important that we follow social distancing guidelines. As much as we may want to go caving or attend a grotto meeting, practicing self-restraint is important to minimize the spread of the virus. Remember that most caves have limited airflow and create close quarters. Cavers may be at heightened risk because of limited exchange of air and close contact with other cavers. Just riding together in a car for a few hours to your closest caving area creates a risk. […] I’m encouraging our NSS members to stand down from caving for a few months as we get control of this pandemic and can get back to a new normal quicker.“