March 12, 2020
An open letter to all East Carolina Council families:
We want to answer some common questions regarding COVID-19 and council activities. The safety of our Scouts, leaders, families, and staff is our top priority.
For the past two weeks, our Risk Management Chair has been in contact with local infectious disease specialists who are in daily contact with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). We are following their guidance.
At this point all council and district activities will continue as planned. We are reviewing and updating health procedures for all our activities, based on CDC recommendations. Obviously, this is an ever-changing situation and we will adjust as needed based on several factors, including guidance from medical professionals. Any changes will be communicated as quickly as possible.
We have implemented additional protection procedures in our Scout Service Center. Patrons are asked to use tissues to open doors - a box is in the foyer. We are sanitizing the Scout Shop multiple times a day. Anything a family or unit needs from the East Carolina Council Scout Shop can be shipped to you by calling and placing an order (252-522-1521).
Right now, the best guidance from the CDC that you can take with your families and Scouts:
- If you are sick - coughing and sneezing - stay home.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your elbow, then wash your hands.
- If you have had a fever of 100.40 in the past 14 days, stay home.
- Avoid large gatherings if you are in a high-risk category: those over age 60, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart and lung disease or immunosuppression.
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20-seconds. (the length of time to sing the "ABCs" song once or "Happy Birthday" twice).
- Avoid shaking hands. Instead use a wave, an "air high five", or the Scout salute. ("The Scout salute is a form of greeting that also shows respect. You may salute other Scouts and Scout leaders." Scouts BSA Handbook, pg. 19.)
- Use your own pen to sign receipts and documents. Public pens easily transfer germs.
- Use something as a barrier when opening doors or pumping gas.
- Clean surfaces with disinfectants recommended by the CDC, including your cell phone. The virus lives on surfaces for up to 24 hours. www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf
- Use utensils to eat food - even finger food - to reduce the spread of germs.
- Be vigilant on campouts to wash and sanitize dishes and utensils thoroughly.
A Scout is clean. Wash your hands!
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