At Girl Scouts, there is nothing we take more seriously than the safety and well being of our girls, volunteers, and council staff. Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey will take all possible and appropriate measures to ensure girls continue to have a safe, fun, one-of-a-kind experience at Girl Scouts. We encourage volunteers, caregivers, and girls to use their best judgment when determining cookie booth locations, and to follow all health and safety guidance from Girl Scouts and other official sources, which we will continue to make available as we learn more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The current health authorities’ guidance does not include closures or cancellations of activities; however, we will continue to assess the situation and will make any appropriate adjustments as necessary. As always, decisions regarding participation in Girl Scout activities, are up to the discretion of parents and guardians.
We are continuing to operate as normal, but are working on contingency plans to be prepared for changing circumstances. We have been looking to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the New York Department of Health (NYDOH) so we can respond to any changes in their recommendations.
Preventative Measures
Please remember that the best protection is self-protection and self-monitoring, especially in this flu season. Health officials recommend the following measures to minimize your risk of contracting any virus:
Wash hands frequently especially after sneezing, shaking hands/bodily contact with another individual, and before eating. Use soap and water for 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick — health officials call this “social distancing” and recommend staying about three feet away from someone who is sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like your phone or computer.
Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue in the trash, or as a last resort, cough into the inside of the elbow.
Stay home when you are not feeling well.
Get plenty of sleep, good nutrition, stress relief, and exercise — a healthy body is the best defense against illness.
The CDC is publishing its latest updates, health tips, and country-specific travel information. The World Health Organization has published a helpful Q&A addressing many of the common questions about this virus.
We will continue to communicate regarding steps we are taking and any adjustments we are making to scheduled programs, events, activities, or council operations.