March 13, 2020


Dear Seneca Waterways Council Family,

As you are aware we are closely following the impact of the coronavirus and its impact on youth and families and Scouting. The good news is the virus' impact on youth and young adults is substantially less than that of the flu or other viruses we have had to battle over the years. The bad news is the impact on seniors or those with compromised immune system seems worse than the flu. Since students are at low-risk for any negative reaction from the coronavirus the decision to close colleges and universities seems to be driven more about slowing down the possible spread or the coronavirus.

Today the Superintendent of School Association for Monroe County held a press conference. Public Schools will remain open. The current battle plan of the school districts is that if they do get a coronavirus case in the school that the school will be to close for a day, sterilize the school and reopen. School districts will be taking other preventative measures which include limiting use of school facilities for after hour programs.  Scout Units who meet in school or municipal facilities should check with their district executive to see if anyone has had a dialog with their school district and if not someone will need to check with the school district or town to see if using the facilities will still be feasible.  Den meetings, pack meetings, and troop meetings who use public facilities should plan for an alternate location.

Obviously, this is an ever changing situation and "being prepared" for whichever way this turns is important. Here are some changing things to share:

  • The decision to hold or cancel unit meetings is up to your unit committee. I would suggest that you follow the direction of your school district. 

  • If your unit uses school facilities finding an alternate location may be a good strategy.

  • Right now the flu and other viruses pose as substantial risk to our youth and members. Reminding everyone of good health hygiene measures is important.

  • The Youth Power Dinner and Silver Beaver Dinner are still moving forward as planned.

  • Camps are still open for weekend camping

  • The Scouting for Food program (set for March 14-21) has been cancelled.

AS A REMINDER:

BSA Polices to Prevent the Spread of Illness The Boy Scouts of America continues to have policies and procedures in place that help protect participants from contracting an illness at large Scouting events. These include the Annual Health and Medical Record , the Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist , and Scouting Safely: Communicable Disease Prevention Guidelines.

Everyday Preventive 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.

Please continue to monitor council updates on our website, www.senecawaterways.org , and on our Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/SenecaWaterwaysCouncilBSA .

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.  

Yours in Scouting,
Stephen T. Hoitt
Scout Executive
Seneca Waterways Council, BSA