COVID-19 POLICY (As of August 23, 2021)
“Mask Up” Directive
Why we are asking you to wear masks when you are with our Scouts. Hopefully you have already received your COVID-19 vaccination and if you contract the disease, you will have mild to no symptoms. However, many of our Scouts are not currently eligible to receive the vaccination. We have all heard varying stories about transmission of the virus by vaccinated individuals, the effect of the virus on children, and differences as new variants arise. But as more data is collected and analyzed, one thing we have learned is that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), specifically masks, helps reduce transmission.
What should your unit do moving forward? For unit meetings/activities, a Risk Mitigation Plan should be developed, and every unit should seek approval and guidance from their respective Chartered Partner. Attendance at all unit meetings and activities shall be recorded in case follow up is necessary. The current Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation is that all individuals should wear facemasks, even those that are vaccinated, when gathering indoors.
The Bay Area Council further recommends that all gatherings be conducted outside when possible. If outdoor gatherings are not an option, then please consider a virtual gathering. For ALL Bay Area Council or District sponsored events/activities, masks will be required for everyone when gathering indoors. If the participates are eating or drinking, masks may be removed until finished eating and/or drinking. This does not mean that one can simply walk around holding a drink and not wearing a mask. For Bay Area Council or District meetings/activities that occur outdoors, masks must be worn when social distancing of six feet or more cannot be observed, i.e., Archery range where instructors and Scouts are in proximity.
Following any meeting/activity, participants should notify the appropriate leader if any COVID-19 symptoms arise for up to 14 days after the event. Additionally, participants should notify the meeting/activity leader if anyone tests positive for COVID-19 up to 14 days after the event AND seek the necessary medical attention!
As Scout leaders, you are asked to lead by example! Our Scouts, especially those of Cub Scout age, will often mimic the behavior of their adult leaders. If you go without a mask, they will as well. The hospitals are filling up again, but this time, more children are being seriously affected by the current variant and an increased number of associated childhood respiratory illnesses have been reported like RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). So, let’s protect our future, our Scouts. We are trusting that you will do the right thing for our Scouts and “Mask Up."
Thank you.
The Bay Area Council COVID-19 Risk Management Committee
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Charlie Tinsley or Kelly Meacham. Both may be reached at 409-744-6206.
BAC COVID-19 Risk Assessment Team
Roger Boyer, Chair & Vice President of Programs
Joe Dervay, MD & Executive Board Member
Kimberly Barker RN, Executive Board Member
Michael Henderson, Council Commissioner
Stephanie Estala, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, Cub Scout Pack Member
Charlie Tinsley, Council Scout Executive
Kelly Meacham, Council Field Director
Council Service Center & Scout Shop. The Council Service Center is open to the public from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Customers are required to wear masks fully covering nose and mouth to enter the building.
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