COVID-19 Council Update 3-12-2020

March 12, 2020

 Dear Scouting Family,

As always, your safety and the safety of all our members, volunteers, and employees is a high priority. We know there are questions and concerns about how COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, could affect local Scouting programs in the Western Los Angeles County Council. Please know that we are monitoring developments regarding COVID-19 both locally with our State of California and local health departments and organizations, and local healthcare professionals.

The following information regarding events and prevention measures is based on the guidance currently available to us. As this is an evolving situation, this information is subject to change. We will continue to update you on relevant developments, and we appreciate your understanding of any necessary adjustments in the interest of health and safety.

STATUS OF DISTRICT AND COUNCIL EVENTS
At this time, the following events have been cancelled or postponed to a later date by the host site.

• Spring Cub Scout Family Weekend at Emerald Bay (3/13 – 3/15)
• SoCal Commissioner College & University of Scouting (3/14)
• Girl Weekend at Emerald Bay (3/20 – 3/22)
• Reyes Adobe district’s The Amazing Race (3/21)
• Scouts BSA Girl’s Leadership Summit (3/28)
• Leader Specific Training (3/28)
• Basic Backpacking Training (4/4)
• 2^nd Quarter District Operations meeting (4/4)
• Eagle Scout Alumni Shoot & BBQ (4/4)

You may monitor event updates here: www.bsa-la.org

COUNCIL EVENT REFUND POLICY
Our current council event policy for refunds for postponed or cancelled events or activities offers you two options:

·       Full refund.

·       Apply your event registration fee to a future Scouting event.

UNIT MEETINGS, EVENTS, AND ACTIVITIES
Decisions about unit meetings and activities should be made by unit leadership and chartering organizations based on the unit’s individual circumstances and current CDC and local health department guidelines.

• Units should check with their local charter organization or other organizations that provide meeting space to Scouting units to see what their current policy is.

BSA POLICIES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS

The Boy Scouts of America continues to have policies and procedures in place that are intended to help protect participants from contracting an illness at large Scouting events. These include the Annual Health and Medical Record and the Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist.

Additionally, Scouting families and leaders are encouraged to share this Safety Moment to help prevent the spread of illness.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR SCOUTING UNITS

• Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Scouting: Recommendations for Unit and Council Event Leaders (Source: BSA)
• Community Mitigation Strategy for Community Organizations (Source: CDC)

EVERYDAY PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Even with those important policies in place, it is critical that we all take these everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:

• Stay home when you feel sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands before and after doing so.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve/elbow, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Do not share personal items such as cups, water bottles, eating utensils, etc.
• Avoid shaking hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you should isolate and not attend any Scouting events. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

This summary is provided as an update to WLACC families, staff, and other stakeholders on preparations being considered by the Western Los Angeles County Council. This is not a replacement for self-education through access to current information from sources such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), California Department of Public Health (cdph.ca.gov) or your own physician.

Should you have any questions or concerns about a specific upcoming event or activity, please reach out to your local district executive. We will do everything we can to answer your question using the information available to us.

We encourage you to share this message with your Scouting families and parents through your communication channels.

Please be sure to stay educated and informed as you continue your Scouting adventures.  

Yours in Scouting,

Matthew Thornton

Scout Executive, CEO