COVID-19 Updates
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COVID-19 Updates

 

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – Update July 10, 2020 5:30 p.m (last update posted June 23, 2020)
 

Florida continues to experience high rates of COVID-19 infectitions and more Central Florida residents have been hospitalized.

Due to an increased risk in passing COVID-19 to vulnerable populations, Girl Scouts of Citrus (GSC) is readjusting restrictions and recommendations related to troop meetings and property openings.

GSC is determined to prioritize the health and safety of our girls, volunteers and staff as decisions are made top open Council properties and resume programs. As previously announce, GSC has a phased reopening plan in place, based upon recommendations from the CDC, local health officials, the Federal Government and informed by State of Florida and county Governments(s)

GSC will not accept TARS and travel requests until further notice.

It is imperative that we keep a nimble and flexible mindset as the situation with COVID-19 continues to rapidly change. Regular updates will be posted as the situation evolves.

***FDA Warning. The FDA advised consumers (6/19/2020) not to use any hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico, due to the potential presence of methanol (wood alcohol), a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. FDA has identified the following products manufactured by Eskbiochem:

  • All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
  • Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
  •  Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
  • The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
  • Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)

Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and should not be used due to its toxic effects.  Stay completely away from sanitizers containing methanol.

Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol should seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning.

Staying Safe and Girl Scout Property Restrictions

Girl Scouts of Citrus (GSC) will be implementing a phased reopening of its business offices with safety protocols in place. In order to adequately provide a safe environment for staff and visitors,  the opening of offices to a limited numbe of staff members will be reevaluated July 30. The offices will remain closed to visitors at this time. While everyone would prefer to get back to normal as soon as possible, we must put the safety of our girls and volunteers first.

While stay-at-home orders are lifted by local and state governments, the rise in reported COVID cases emphasizes the continuing to follow CDC guideline for social distancing.

The Council retail shop on Mills Avenue, all Scout Houses, and both camps will remain closed until further notice.

Customer Care and Council Shop
  • The Girl Scouts of Citrus Service center and Citrus Retail Shop was closed to the public as of March 18 and will remain closed until further notice.
  • Orders can still be placed through shop@citrus-gs.org and these will be processed and shipped out.
  • The Council Shop will be offering curbside pickup (starting in June) on Tuesdays from 1pm – 5pm and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm and by appointment.
    • Orders must be submitted by email at least 48 hours prior to the order pick up date.
  • While the office is closed, council staff is continuing to work remotely. You may reach out to our Customer Care team for any inquiries at customercare@citrus-gs.org
Online Activities for Kids of All ages

Troop leaders and parents are encouraged to embrace online opportunities to keep girls engaged with their sister Girl Scouts through virtual troop meetings. Girl Scouts can continue working toward goals, earning badges and completing service projects to help neighbors who may be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Troop Meetings, Events & Camporees

Although the State of Florida has lifted all restrictions on youth activities, Girl Scouts of Citrus intends to proceed with an abundance of caution. Council-sponsored in-person activities are suspended until further notice. The following applies during this time:

  • All Girl Scout programs and activities, other than virtual programs and virtual day camps, will be cancelled until further notice
  • Property Reservations for all of our properties are closed until further notice
  • TARs and Travel requests will not be accepted until further notice.

Parents who had registered and paid for a Council-sponsored activity should have received a refund from Citrus Council. If an event is managed by a community partner, please contact them directly for more information.

GSC will continue to closely monitor the situation and, as it becomes safe to do so, will ease restrictions.

Returning to troop and volunteer meetings and activities is NOT permitted until further notice. We are evaluating the situation weekly and will be making adjustments as appropriate. It is important that we make decisions that prioritize the safety of girls, their families and volunteers. 

 

Meeting Virtually

While we cannot endorse or support specific online meeting tools for your use, see below for a list of free and low-cost tools that could be useful to you.

Please be sure to follow the GSUSA Virtual Meeting Guidelines found here

Video and Audio-Conferencing Tools with free versions 

While all of these options have a free version, please note you may be prompted to consider their upgraded versions for a subscription fee.

  • Zoom - FAQ
    Note: Meetings durations maximum of 40 minutes in free version
  • Skype - Support
    Note: Up to 10 participants free
  • Webex – Help Center
    Note: Limited file and content sharing in free version

Chat and Collaboration Tools with free versions

Additional low-cost tools for collaboration and conferencing to consider if the above options do not meet your group's needs.

Summer Residential and Day Camp

Although the State of Florida has lifted all restrictions on summer camp, Girl Scouts of Citrus intends to proceed with an abundance of caution.

All 2020 summer camp programs will be conducted virtually.

GSC will continue to closely monitor the situation and, if it becomes safe to do so, will conduct a phased reopening of the camps.

All families that previously registered for resident or day camp sessions should have been issued a full refund. These families will be given priority to register for a camp session if we find it safe to reopen later in the summer.

Refunds will be processed immediately. Questions should be directed to CustomerCare@Citrus-GS.org  

Resources to Help Adults Cope

Parents are under a great deal of stress as they manage a new normal – working remotely, home-schooling, cooking more and pleasing finicky palettes. It can all add up. To help our adult members cope, we have compiled a number of resources on All Things Girl Scouts.

Many families are experiencing financial stress brought on by layoffs and furloughs. According to the Orlando Sentinel, there is help for families finding it difficult to make mortgage payments. “The federal CARES Act, signed by President Trump last month, gives borrowers of federally backed loans the right to contact their mortgage loan servicer and demand what’s called forbearance — in other words, skipping their mortgage payments — simply by attesting that the coronavirus crisis has resulted in financial hardship. No documentation of the hardship is required, regardless of how many questions your servicer asks about your financial situation.”

Talking with Girls About the Virus and Social Unrest

Sometimes a parent could use a little help, especially when it comes to speaking with a child about a serious issue. The Coronavirus, and now issues surrounding racial prejudice, are currently taking top billing in the media. GSUSA published an article that provides some tips on how to talk with your daughter about the disease. They also have some good insights on how to teach your daughter about the value of diversity and inclusion.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) also has some good advice for talking with kids about COVID-19, including ways they can avoid getting or spreading the disease and reminding them that health and school officials are working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy.

According to the CDC, children have not been shown to be a high-risk group for serious illness from this virus. As much as possible, children should be allowed to carry on with their education and normal activities. We understand that some children have underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk, and caregivers of children with underlying health conditions should consult with healthcare providers about whether their children should stay home. The CDC regularly updates information on how to keep children safe.

The Facts about COVID-19

We ask that everyone – volunteers, parents and families – pay attention to the facts. The most important thing you can do is remain flexible and follow CDC recommendations for reducing risk.

In addition to routine environmental cleaning, there is a lot we can do to minimize the risk of catching and spreading the virus. Tips from the CDC include:

  • Keep your environment clean – routinely clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, remotes, sinks and countertops. Find more cleaning tips at the CDC online.
  • Practice good personal health habits like washing your hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes. Make sure your home and family have a plan of action – these CDC guidelines are helpful.
  • Know what to do if you or a family member gets sick. The CDC specifically advises to call your doctor and stay at home. Get more information here. It is also important to take special care with family members who are more vulnerable to infection.
  • Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people

 

 

We recognize that the uncertainties surrounding the virus are causing a great deal of stress. We will continue to monitor the situation and will continue to adjust girl activities as recommended by GSUSA, the CDC and local Health Department.

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