We regret to inform you that the Lyme and Other Tick-borne Diseases Conference that was to take place on May 2, 2020 at Binghamton University has been cancelled.  

Yesterday, March 11, Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger announced that all in-person classes and conferences will be cancelled by March 19.  The action was taken pursuant to a directive issued by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

We at Southern Tier Lyme Support sadly agree that the actions taken by President Stenger and Governor Cuomo were the correct choices.  It is clear that everyone should avoid crowded events, especially the elderly and persons who have serious medical conditions. We are particularly concerned for Lyme patients who may have weakened immune systems.

Refunds will be issued to everyone who has already registered for the conference.  

We have begun making plans for a conference that will take place in the spring of 2021.  We hope to see you then!

This is to let you know that we have decided to cancel the Support Group Meeting that was scheduled for Monday, March 16 – due to concerns arising from the coronavirus.  

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that elderly persons and persons with severe medical conditions should stay home as much as possible and avoid crowds.  

Up to now, testing for the coronavirus has not been adequate.  The Atlantic Magazine estimated that as of March 6, only 1895 US residents were tested for the virus.  Here is a link to the article: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/how-many-americans-have-been-tested-coronavirus/607597/   In comparison, South Korea has already tested 140,000 individuals. 

As of today, CBS News has reported that slightly over 5,000 individuals in the United States  have been tested.  

The lack of adequate testing has created uncertainty in our community.  We have therefore decided it would be in the best interests of our attendees to cancel the March meeting.

Dr. Steven Bock, a Lyme-treating physician, provides information about the coronavirus–and the risk it poses for people with Lyme disease.

He explains about the immune system and ways that Lyme patients (and others with compromised immune systems) can protect themselves…

Read more at Lymedisease.org

Mary Beth Pfeiffer, who spoke at the STLS Fall Forum in 2018, has compared the CDC’s coronavirus efforts to strategies used in the fight against Lyme disease:

Read more at Forbes.com