NA World Services Statement Regarding Coronavirus
We have had many inquiries and questions about health concerns regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). While it is not our role to make statements regarding health issues, we encourage NA groups to discuss the situations you are facing and the options you have to provide safe environments for those who attend your meetings. Groups may want to consider asking members to temporarily stop some of the common practices found at NA meetings such as hugging or shaking hands, or offering refreshments. You may also want to consider alternatives to “circling up” at the end of the meeting.
Some groups are discussing contingencies for the possibility that they will not be able to meet face to face for some period; ideas include hosting phone meetings or online meetings. These are just a few thoughts; we honor each NA group’s responsibility to discuss and determine what is best for their meeting.
You may want to contact your national or local public health agencies for specific guidance regarding meetings and gatherings. We are aware of the guidelines and recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), https://www.cdc.gov/ and there are similar agencies in countries outside of the USA. The World Health Organization (WHO) may also be a resource https://www.who.int/.
If you are seeking information about specific local NA events or meetings, please contact the service committee responsible for hosting that event or meeting, or visit their local NA website. We have heard that some events and meetings have been affected by mandated closures, but we do not maintain a list of those and we are not the best resource for current information for local events and meetings. On our Find a Meeting webpage, local websites are listed in the window on the top left side of the page: https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
We are hopeful that NA members and groups can continue to provide support for one another as we move through this current situation, and we will update this information as necessary in the coming weeks. You have our best wishes.
