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<p>The Voyageurs Area Council is monitoring developments regarding Covid-19, and we want to provide you with the latest guidance based on currently available information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and State and County Health Departments.  This information may change as updated research and facts become available.</p>
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<p>While officials say the health risk to the general public in Minnesota and Wisconsin from Covid-19 remains low, the situation is evolving, and our Council is closely monitoring developments.  (Note: the situation in Michigan is at a different stage.)</p>
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<p>Should public health authorities or government officials recommend additional preventative measures, we will act accordingly.  Please refer to the Council website for updates on postponement or cancellation of upcoming events, activities, or meetings in your local area.</p>
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<p> <strong>Our Council’s Response:  A Scout is Clean</strong></p>
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<p>We encourage everyone attending our properties and programs to follow health authorities recommendations to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:</p>
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<ul><li>Stay home when you feel sick.</li><li>Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Use the 6 ft. buffer rule when you can.</li><li>Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face, and wash your hands before and after doing so.</li><li>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.</li><li>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.</li><li>Avoid shaking hands.</li><li>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.</li></ul>
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<p>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 not attend a Scouting activity, meeting, or event. People who think they may have been exposed to Covid-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.</p>
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<p><strong><u>Resources</u></strong></p>
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<p><strong>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</strong></p>
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<ul><li>Handwashing:Clean Hands Save Lives&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/</a></li><li>Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19)<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a></li><li>Preventing the Flu:Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm</a>&nbsp;<strong>Boy Scouts of America</strong></li><li>Communicable Disease Prevention Safety Moment&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/communicable-disease-prevention/" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/communicable-disease-prevention/</a></li><li>Membership Guidelines Regarding Communicable Diseases&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/communicable_diseases.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/communicable_diseases.pdf</a></li><li>Recommendations for Unit and Council Event Leaders&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-103(18)_Prev_of_CommunicableDiseases.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-103(18)_Prev_of_CommunicableDiseases.pdf</a></li><li>Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-102_PreEventChklist.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-102_PreEventChklist.pdf</a>&nbsp;We are all responsible for the prevention of communicable diseases, and your proactive steps are a critical component.&nbsp; Thank you for doing your part.&nbsp; Keep in mind Scouting’s guiding principles regarding communicable diseases include:</li><li>The responsibility for management of a medical condition lies with the individual or the individual’s parent or guardian.</li><li>Local Scouting units and charter organizations determine their own membership and participation.</li></ul>
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<p>Best Regards,</p>
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<p>Michael Jenkins, Scout Executive</p>
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<p></p>
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<p><a href="http://legacy.vac-bsa.org/files/d/usr/885/Covid-19%20Letter%20-%201.pdf">Covid-19 Update 3.13.20 Printable Version</a></p>
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