Dear Connecticut Rivers Council Scouting Families & Volunteers:

The Connecticut Rivers Council is responding to concerns for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are following recommendations of both national and state Department of Health, and local Healthcare officials and we are doing our part in trying to limit the spread of the virus. Effective immediately, March 11, 2020, we are postponing or cancelling large gatherings at Council activities, District activities, and certain Camping activities for the months of March and April 2020. We are currently following the State of Connecticut guidance of cancelling events with 100 or more attendees.  The events that are known to be cancelled now include.

• Merit Badge Madness

• University of Scouting 

• Certain district events. Please check with your district professional to confirm if events are proceeding as planned

As we learn more information from Government Agencies, we will keep you updated.

Your unit should follow the guidance of your Chartering Organization. Please check directly with your Chartering Organization regarding your planned unit activities during the months of March & April. As you continue your local Troop and Pack activities, it is important to follow all the steps recommended by the CDC

(see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html). The same simple steps that prevent the spread of ordinary flu viruses work against coronavirus and other illnesses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Cough into a tissue or your elbow (not your hand). Then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick. Do not attend Scouting activities when you are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick, with temperature above 100.0º F (38.7º C) or do not feel well, appear weak or ill

• Consult your health care provider if you have special health conditions that put you at increased risk.

Please stay up to date with CDC & local Health Department guidelines as they may change rapidly in the future. Check back to the Connecticut Rivers Council facebook page and the Council website regularly for more information: ctscouting.org.

Yours in Scouting,