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GSSGC Coronavirus Updates and Precautions

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March 19, 2020

The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence.

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March 17, 2020 Update

At Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio we encourage our girls to make hard choices and face challenges with courage, confidence and character. Our communities continue to be affected on a rapidly changing basis and both of our counties have persons that have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. While the health departments continue to advise us on precautionary measures, we have an obligation to also do our part to take measures to slow the spread of the virus as other organizations have also done.

To address the evolving concerns about coronavirus (COVID-19), and following the guidance of federal, state and county agencies to avoid or slow the spread of the disease, our leadership here at GSSGC has worked to be as transparent as possible with the thought-process we are using to make decisions: we want to ensure the safety of our Girl Scouts, volunteers, and staff while attempting to minimize the impact to our girls, community and our mission. We had much to consider, foremost among those is how to continue to serve and support you, while protecting the health and well-being of our staff, members and communities.  Guided by heart and head, I announce the following actions, effective immediately.

Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio facilities are being closed to the public temporarily through March 30.  This includes all offices, service centers, scout houses, and camps.  We will continue to evaluate conditions and the closure may be extended.  While many Council staff will be working remotely, most council operations will continue to function as in the past.  All of us are committed to step up during this crisis and help our girls and volunteers thrive. Together we can be a source of stability and comfort to our girls in these uncertain times.

For our volunteers and troops, in-person meetings are suspended until further notice.  We encourage virtual meetings so that the mission continues. Look to our social media for upcoming virtual meetings and journeys.  All Girl Scout events are cancelled until April 30.  With our girls now out of school and parents striving to keep them occupied and engaged, we will be looking for ways to offer them “Virtual Girl Scouting” starting this week.

All staff will be available to you to provide support and assistance where needed.  Responses to emails will not be affected.  Our switchboard capability will be reduced, so I encourage you to communicate via email whenever possible or use the “Contact Us” button on our website as we will have staff available for live chats during business hours. The Council Facebook page and Council website will contain the most up-to-date information.

Following are some helpful links you can use from your home:

This situation continues to evolve rapidly and we are working with our community partners, county health departments, government agencies and GSUSA on how we are responding and keeping our members updated on our council. I know we can count on you for patience and understanding as we closely monitor the situation and do our part, while continuing to evaluate additional measures to support our members, communities and friends. United we are strong and resilient and will get through this together as one Girl Scout Family.

 

 

March 13, 2020

GSSGC is closely monitoring the news and recommendations from the CDC and will share updates as they become available. We want to thank you all for your efforts around the community to follow recommended CDC guidelines to safeguard our service centers, our events and our community. The safety and welfare of our girls is Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio’s top priority.

First and foremost, we recommend that members regularly visit the Centers for Disease Control website for updated information on preventative measures.

GSSGC is closely monitoring the COVID-19 updates from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, American Camp Association (ACA) and the local public health departments for each of the two counties within our council boundaries. At this time, we are proceeding with the Cookie Program, all programs, events, camps, and property reservations as planned.

As Girl Scout events for children are similar to schools, we are paying close attention to local guidance for school closures. As much as possible, children should be allowed to carry on with their education and normal activities. We understand that some children have underlying health conditions, such as weakened immune systems, that put them at higher risk. Caregivers of children with underlying health conditions should consult with healthcare providers about whether their children should stay home.

As circumstances change, we will continue to seek guidance from these agencies and public health officials and are prepared to follow the recommendations of the CDC and local health departments to ensure the health and safety of our members.

 

Here are the additional things we all can do to keep our community clean and safe:

  • Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently especially after sneezing, shaking hands, hugging or even touching another individual, and always before eating. Use soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  •  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick – (health officials call this “social distancing”) and stay about three feet away from someone who is sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like your phone or computer.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing then promptly throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, cough into your elbow.
  • Stay home when you are not feeling well or if you have a sick family member in your home.
  • Get plenty of sleep, good nutrition, stress-relief, and exercise – a healthy body is the best defense against illness.
  • Be cautious with meetings and travel
  • Handle food carefully
 

Here are the additional things we are doing to keep our community clean and safe:

  • We are adhering to the executive order per Governor Newsom and the CDC regarding the reccommended guidelines for public gatherings.
  • We are keeping our properties well-stocked with all of the supplies needed to reduce the spread of germs. 
  • All staff members who are ill will be sent home.
  • We are encouraging all members who are sick or are at a higher risk for serious illness to not attend Girl Scout meetings, programs, or events.
  • We are proactively advising all service units to follow specific increased hygiene measures at their large group gatherings.
  • We are asking all members to follow increased hygiene at Girl Scout events, such as:
    • Try to maintain at least 6 feet of physical space between you and other people
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
    • If soap and water are not available, 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used in a pinch
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
    • Do not cough into your hands and always wash your hands after coughing or sneezing if you use a tissue and make sure to throw your tissue away

Thank you for your help in keeping Girl Scouts a safe, fun space for everyone! If you have questions about how coronavirus may impact Girl Scout activities, please contact us at customercare@gssgc.org or 800-400-GIRL—we're here for you.

 

Consult Your Public Health Department

To be a resource to our members, we are reviewing local health departments' websites daily and updating our messaging. As always, check the CDC and your local health department’s website for the most up-to-date information.

 

Be a Source of Comfort and Calm for Girls

Girl Scouts of the USA has developed a helpful resource for How to Talk to Your Girl About Coronavirus to help minimize stress and worry in your Girl Scout’s life and give her a sense of calm and control.