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Sell JerkyNovel Coronavirus - COVID-19 Update
updated 3:00 pm 3/25/2020
Dear Scouts and Scouters,
With the direction of the Idaho State Governor, Brad Little, effective March 25, 2020, the Mountain West Council will be closing the Boise and Twin Falls offices for 21 days unless otherwise directed. We understand there are a lot of questions and concerns about how the coronavirus is impacting Scouting programs, and we want you to know that the safety of our Scouts, volunteers, employees and communities is our top priority. The Scout Oath includes a pledge to help other people at all times: In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Scouting community must do its part to slow the spread of the disease, which will save lives and avoid overwhelming our local healthcare infrastructure. With that in mind, and based on guidance from national, state, and local officials, the Mountain West Council and its units are not to participate in any unit gatherings or activities in person. We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to act in a manner that prioritizes the health and wellbeing of our Scouting family. Please visit mountainwestcouncil.org for the latest local information. You can also visit www.Scouting.org/Coronavirus for a FAQ, the latest national guidance, and activities to help you continue Scouting at home.
Our professional staff will still be available for remote services.
Please contact the following as needed:
Richard Sotto, Owyhee District, richard.sotto@scouting.org
Pat Boydstun, Tapawingo District, pat.boydstun@scouting.org
David Kirk, Asst. Scout Executive, Snake River District, david.kirk@scouting.org
Lynn Gunter, Scout Executive, lynn.gunter@scouting.org
Sincerely,
Lynn Gunter
Scout Executive
updated 8:50 am 3/13/2020
As always, your safety and the safety of all our members, volunteers, and employees is our top priority. We know there are questions and concerns about how COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, could affect local Scouting programs in the Mountain West Council. Please know that we are monitoring developments regarding COVID-19 both locally with our Council Health Supervisor and through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The following information regarding events and prevention measures is based on the latest available guidance. As this is an evolving situation, this information is subject to change. We will continue to update you on relevant developments, and we appreciate your understanding of any necessary adjustments in the interest of health and safety.
Status of Council Events
At this time, the following events have been postponed:
- College of Commissioner Science, March 14, 2020, future date TBD.
- Council Recognition Evening, March 14, 2020, future date TBD.
- Other events are being evaluated.
You may monitor event updates here:
Mountainwestcouncil.org
Decisions about unit meetings and activities should be made by unit leadership and chartering organizations based on the unit’s individual circumstances and current CDC and local health department guidelines.
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.
- 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,
Lynn Gunter
Scout Executive
Also, visit this page for additional information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
From the State of Idaho: https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/?fbclid=IwAR015PUGhHQpt-shIuz_QAtCAXIsfvSt4eIwb51LrqF7-Ex19ZCHmfBIezU
