Covid19

Dear Scouting Family,

Recently the CDC announced updated Covid-19 guidelines along with NYS stating that as of Wednesday, May 19th, vaccinated individuals do not need to wear a mask indoors or outdoors around other vaccinated, and even unvaccinated individuals, in some circumstances. On May 19th, NYS Dept. of Health also released their guidance for summer camp programs which we are reviewing with our Council Risk Management Committee and Council Medical Director.

Please be mindful of the following:

• Health and safety of our participants are the number one priority. This should also include people we encounter.
• Follow the lead of your school district or municipality (CDC & Health Dept). The Council works to keep our members updated as we receive new guidance from the CDC and NYS Dept of Health.
• Review National BSA COVID-19 Resources including Restarting Scouting Checklist

If you have any COVID-19 or cold symptoms or feel unwell, please avoid coming into the office or Scout Shop, or attending Unit Meetings or going to camps until you are better.  As always our Staff stands ready to assist you and they can be reached by calling 607-648-7888. 

Our primary concern is for the safety of our Scouts, Leaders, families and the Staff of our Council.  Scouting continues, always!

If an event is postponed due to COVID-19 precautions, registrations will automatically be forwarded to the new event date or another event of your choosing.  Fees are generally not refundable; however they are transferable to other Scouts or Leaders in the same unit.  If arrangements cannot be made with other Scouts or other Leaders we will issue refunds.

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 and the Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist.

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.
• Maintain appropriate social distance of six feet whenever possible, otherwise wearing a mask is strongly recommended if it is not already required by local health department regulations.
• 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.

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,

Matthew Bull

Scout Executive/CEO