Update on Coronavirus – 19
| Update on the Coronavirus and Impact on Program DeliveryMarch 12, 2020 Officials at the California Department of Public Health announced new recommendations late Wednesday night to curtail the spread of COVID-19: large gatherings should be postponed or canceled across the state until at least the end of March. The Orange County Council, including all of our properties, continues to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation. Based on this new information, the Council will enforce the following guidelines effective immediately:Council and District activities of 250 or more will be postponed and rescheduled for dates after March 31st. This includes District Camporees scheduled in March and programs at our four properties including Newport Sea Base and Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center.Smaller events can proceed only if organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person. If the social distance cannot be accommodated, meetings/activities must be postponed or cancelled. The use of conference calls is highly recommended. Advisers to District and Council meetings will contact their committees with instructions for meetings scheduled this month.Roundtables will continue for March 12. Social Distancing will be enforced, and we strongly request any individual who feels sick to not attend.Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people while also following social distancing guidelines.Some charter partners and unit meeting locations have blocked access to their facilities for the time being. Please contact your location to verify access and timeline. The information from the State recommends limiting access until March 31st. Should your unit be blocked, we recommend that families continue to use their handbooks at home to continue the program and update their leaders on their progress. Click here to view the guideline from the California Department of Health. The Orange County Council is committed to providing a safe environment for our members and will continue to update you as information becomes available. |
| March 11, 2020 Update on the Coronavirus and Potential Impact on Programs The Orange County Council which includes the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center and the Newport Sea Base, has received calls from individuals asking how the Coronavirus or COVID-19, might impact our programs. We are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to act quickly should the situation warrant action. While officials say the health risk to the general public in California from Novel Coronavirus remains low, the Orange County Health Care Agency acknowledges the situation is evolving, and our Council is closely monitoring developments. We are also working with the Orange County Department of Education and other agencies to stay alert to changes. Above all, we are committed to protecting youth, volunteers and staff in environments that are safe. Our Council’s Response: A Scout is Clean We encourage everyone attending our properties and programs to follow the California Department of Public Health recommendations to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If using hand sanitizer, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed handsAvoid close contact with people who are sickCover cough and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.Stay away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like a fever and cough.Individuals are encouraged to bring personal hand sanitizer. We will also provide hand sanitizer at restrooms and dining areas at camps where soap and water are not available. Participation in Scouting activities, meetings and fundraisers: A Scout is Prepared! For now, all programs will continue as planned. Should Public Health authorities recommend additional preventative measures, we will act accordingly. Unless directed by a Public health agency, it is the goal of the Council to not cancel any event without a 14-day notice. There has not been a change to the cancellation policy; however, we will reassess this if conditions change. Here are some recommendations for continued program delivery:Before leaving to an activity, check to see if anyone is feeling ill. If so, that person must remain home and seek medical attention. Upon arrival at the event, conduct the same medical preview screening.If someone begins to feel ill at an activity, that person will be quarantined and removed from the activity. The Council will notify Public Health and follow additional instructions.Additional bathrooms and hand washing facilities will be provided at district and council outdoor events.Scout units and Groups are strongly encouraged to bring hand sanitizer to all activities.Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays and wipes.Additional Resources This remains an evolving situation, and there is still a lot we don’t know, including how Orange County will be impacted. Our Council will post new information on our website and social media as it becomes available. In addition, please connect with these resources:The California Department of Public HealthCenters for Disease Control (CDC)Orange County Health Care AgencyBSA Prevention: The Key to Successful Control of Infectious DiseasesBSA Prevention Medical Screening Checklist |