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How Does COVID - 19 Spread

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your GOD will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

In order to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19, you must know how it spreads.

• COVID-19 is highly contagious and can cause severe illness and even death.  
• There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.  There currently are no cures or FDA approved treatments for COVID-19.  
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly person to person.
  • Between people in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings.
  • COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms and also through contaminated surfaces.
  • Please CLICK HERE for more information on how COVID-19 spreads.

It is not possible to completely prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Every time you are out in public or around other people you are at risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.  However, there are certain Mitigation Efforts that work to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19.  These mitigation efforts include:

Washing your hands often

Social Distance - Avoid close contact with people

Wearing a Face Mask that covers your nose and mouth

A mask is not a substitute for social distancing.

• When both parties wear masks and maintain 6 feet of social distance the risk of COVID-19 transmission decreases dramatically.

Cover coughs and sneezes

Clean and Disinfect

Monitor Your Health Daily:

• Be alert for symptoms of COVID-19.  Do not attend BEECH in Person Activities if symptoms are present.
• Follow BEECH Health Protocols if symptoms develop and Follow CDC COVID-19 Guidelines.
• CLICK HERE for more information on ways to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19

By Clicking "Yes, I/We agree and understand" my spouse and I are acknowledging that we understand How COVID-19 is spread and the procedures to help to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and I/We and our child(ren) and family agree to adhere to the above guidelines while at ALL BEECH Activities.  

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27

FACE MASKS

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 
Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.  Philippians 2:3-4

After much consideration and discussion, the BEECH Board has decided to require BEECH members, their children and family members wear proper face masks at ALL BEECH In-Person Activities this year.  We did not come to this decision lightly as many factors come into play when facing the challenges of COVID-19.  We want this school year to be as successful and safe as possible for ALL of our members.  And we want to make sure we can offer IN PERSON ACTIVITIES for our members and hopefully continue to offer in-person activities throughout the pandemic.   

Therefore, BEECH will require face masks at ALL in-person BEECH Activities including both indoor and outdoor Activities for all members age 3 and above.  Because BEECH Activities are meant to build community, and we do not believe that we could safely gather children inside or outside for an activity with enough social distance to be safe, masks that cover your nose and mouth will be required at ALL BEECH In-person Activities.  Please note that most BEECH Activities are not all-day events, therefore, you will only have to wear the mask for a few hours.  PLEASE NOTE CHILDREN UNDER 2 SHOULD NOT WEAR A MASK DUE TO SUFFOCATION RISKS.

Not all masks are created the same.  There are many different masks that you can purchase and it's often hard to know what one is the best.  Here are our TIPS to help keep everyone SAFE through proper masks and mask Hygiene.  Masks with the following qualities tend to fit better and be more effective:  Click here for more details on effective masks.

• Nose bridge
• Adjustable Ear Loops
• Masks that seal snugly around the face leaving no large gaps. 
• Multiple Layers - Surgical masks or cloth Masks with TWO layers if used with a FILTER or at least THREE layers of material without a filter are the best for protecting you and others.  Please AVOID Thin masks without enough layers or a filter.
• When in a high-risk situation double masking can be effective.  
• Properly fitting N95 and KN95 masks are the most effective at preventing transmission of COVID-19.

Some face masks are Less Effective at stopping the spread of COVID-19:  We kindly ask that due to their poor ability to stop viral droplet spread and the risk they would pose to those around you that you please REFRAIN from using the following items as masks at ANY BEECH In-Person Activity.  Please click here to learn more details.

• Please do NOT wear masks with valves at any BEECH in-person activities.
• Please do NOT wear neck gaiters, bandanna masks or bandannas in place of a face mask at any BEECH In-Person Activity.
• BEECH members are welcome to use a face shield in conjunction WITH a mask but please do NOT use a face shield in place of a mask at BEECH Activities.

FACE MASK Hygiene & Contamination.  Here are a few tips to help keep you safe while using a mask.

Teach kids the proper way to take off and put their masks on.  Explain the importance of keeping their mask on.  Practice mask techniques at home with your children.  Remind them not to touch the mask or their face, nose, eyes or mouth. 
For additional tips on Hygiene and Avoiding Contamination please click here.

Products to make wearing your face mask easier or more comfortable:  For details click here.

• If you don't like the mask touching your nose and lips try a mask that keeps the fabric further from your body but still creates a good seal.  N95, KN95, "Duck," cone-shaped masks or those with a center stitched seam may be more comfortable.  Example CVS cone mask.
• Scunci button headwrap
• To make ear loops adjustable or buy toggles or adjustment buckles.
• To prevent children from removing masks try an ear extender.  
• Ear rest 
• Self adhesive Nosebridge
• Mask Lanyard 
• Mask Filters
• Mask holder

Disclaimer:  BEECH is providing these tips to help you find an effective but comfortable mask you can wear to BEECH In-person activities.  BEECH makes no claims to the effectiveness of any specific product in preventing COVID-19 and is providing thisi nformation and examples of products available only for your convenience and for informational purposes only. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and difficult to prevent.  None of the above products are guaranteed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and are not guaranteed to prevent you from becoming infected with COVID-19.

We ask that you arrive at BEECH Activities with your mask on.  And we request that you do not remove your mask when leaving a BEECH Activity until you are in your car.  

Please note, most of the venues that we were able to schedule in-person activities at either required masks to enter their property or if they didn't have a mask mandate they asked if we would be willing to require our members to wear them while at the Activity to help keep their staff safe.  However, should you arrive at a venue that has a more lax mask policy - you will still need to follow BEECH's requirements regarding masks.  Please note if you arrive at a BEECH Activity without a mask on for each family member present you will not be able to participate in the activity and will need to leave.  

Again, please remember that we are trying to keep in-person activities going in the midst of a pandemic.  In order to do this, we have to provide the safest atmosphere that we can for all of our members.  If you are unable or unwilling to wear a mask at a BEECH Activity you always have the option to not attend in-person activities and attend any of the wonderful virtual offerings that we have for this year.  

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.  

By clicking "YES, I/We agree and understand" below, my spouse and I are digitally signing this form and acknowledging our understanding of the BEECH Mask Policy and our agreement that I/We, our children and family members will abide by the requirements set forth while at a BEECH In-Person activity and wear face masks.  We understand and agree if we do not have a face mask when we arrive at an in-person BEECH Activity we will not be able to participate and will need to leave the activity.                                 

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.  1 Corinthians 10:24

BEECH Preventative Measures for COVID-19

He who rescued us from so deadly a peril will continue to rescue us,
on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again.  2 Corinthians 1:10

Steps we are taking to Keep you Safe:  In order to keep our Community running through the pandemic in the safest manner possible, we have put in place measures and policies to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  The following preventative measures will be implemented beginning September 4, 2020.

1.   Virtual field trips will be offered as well as in-person activities.

2.   Face Masks will be required at all in-person Activities, indoors or outdoors, for the duration of the activity.  

3.   Members will be required to Maintain 6 feet of social distance with non-household members at in-person activities.  No handshaking or unnecessary person to person direct contact with non-household members.

4.  Members are required to screen their family for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 before attending an in-person activity and to stay home if they have any COVID-19 signs and symptoms. 

5.  Members are required to stay home if they are awaiting COVID-19 test results, if they have tested positive for COVID-19, or if they have been exposed to someone who is being tested for or who has tested positive for COVID-19.

6.  Members are required to screen themselves and their family members for fever or chills before attending an activity.  If their temperature is over 99.6 F or they have chills they are to stay home and not attend the activity.

7.   Encourage frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer.  Members are requested to carry hand sanitizer with them.  Due to shortages, counterfeit products, possible member allergies and the risk of sharing supplies; BEECH is unable to supply hand sanitizer to our members.

8.   BEECH does not own or control venues where activities will take place.  Members are encouraged to bring their own cleaning supplies to sanitize the area that they will be playing, working, or sitting if they would like.  Due to shortages, counterfeit products, possible member allergies, and the risk of sharing supplies, BEECH is unable to supply cleaning supplies to our members.

9.   In-person Activities will not be offered for the week of a Major holiday and the 2 week period after any High Travel Holiday Week.  However, Virtual activities can take place during these weeks.  Weeks that will not include In-Person Activities are:

               A.  Labor Day - Sept. 5th through Sept 27th

               B.  Thanksgiving - Nov 21st through Dec 13th

               C.  Christmas/New Year - Dec 24th through Jan 17th

               D.  President's Day - Feb 12th through March 6th

               E.  Easter - April 4th through April 25th

               F.  Memorial Day - May 29th to June 20th

              G.  Independence Day - July 3rd - July 24th

10.   No Large Events.  Sadly, this affects many of our beloved BEECH Community events, esp. those normally held in the fall and winter.  We will bring these events back as soon as COVID-19 regulations allow and it is safe and feasible to do so.  

11.   No in-person planning meetings - virtual only.

12.   Service areas will be suspended for the year, with the exception of accounting and age team leadership, until such time as we can offer large events again.  

13.  Attendance at all in-person activities is optional for all members.

14.   Max attendance for any Activity is no more than 45 including adults and children.  Most in-person activities will be kept to a max of 25-35.  If there is a high demand for an activity beyond its capacity we will do our best to schedule a second day.

15.   No Food at Events.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will not serve food at any Activity.

16.   Due to liability and the necessity of removing masks to eat, NO BEECH activity will include food.  This includes, but is not limited to NO group breakfasts, lunches, snacks or dinners. 

               A.  Field trips and other activities will Officially end BEFORE lunch no later than NOON or they will Officially BEGIN AFTER Lunch no earlier than 1 p.m. 

               B.  If you need to eat or drink while at a BEECH Activity, we ask that you please return to your car or at least step 50 feet away from the group while doing so, and then rejoin us.  Please do not remove your mask near other Beech families to eat or drink something.

               C.  Otherwise, we ask that you please eat and drink with your own family prior to or after the BEECH Activity.  Many venues have mask mandates and will not allow food or drink.

17.  When scheduling in-person field trips we have done our best to keep things as safe as possible and have requested field trip activities with:

               A,  COVID-19 sanitation and disinfection measures in place at the venue

               B.  The ability to social distance and/or divide the attendees into smaller groups/cohorts

               C.  Staff wearing masks

               D.  Activities where children will not have to share supplies

               E.  Limited activities with high touch tasks and appropriate disinfection between children

18.  Most venues are requiring us to pay ahead due to COVID-19.  If you fail to cancel your sign-up on the calendar before the activity/event registration closes you WILL be responsible for paying your registration - even if you haven't yet paid - regardless of whether or not you attend the activity.  If BEECH paid the venue for you because you registered - then you will have to pay BEECH.  There are NO REFUNDS after registration closes.  You must be responsible and cancel prior to registration closing if you aren't planning to attend.

19.  Each venue has its own COVID-19 plan.  When attending BEECH Activities at these venues, members will be expected to abide by the rules of the venue - many of which may have stricter protocols that may include, but are not limited to parents waiting in their cars while children participate or temperature and health screens upon arrival.  Members are responsible for making themselves familiar with the venue's COVID-19 plans.  However, if BEECH's requirements are stricter we require that you follow our protocols - for example, we require masks both indoors and outside, regardless of the venue's policy.

20.  In-person activities will take place outdoors as much as possible.

21.  Any activities involving crafts will include individual prepackaged craft packets.  Supplies at BEECH craft activities should NOT be shared. The craft packets should contain everything you need to make the craft.  However, we do recommend that BEECH members have a family craft pack to bring to craft activities that includes, but is not limited to:  Elmer's glue, glue sticks, glue dots, scotch tape, stapler, ruler, sharpie, crayons, colored pencils and scissors.

22.  Very high risk or medically fragile members or those caring for very high risk or medically fragile family members are encouraged to participate in our Virtual Activities if you are concerned about the risk involved with in-person activities.

23.  BEECH COVID-19 policies or Activities may change throughout the year based on local, state, and federal regulations, emergency orders or laws, or under the advice of the GA Dept of Health, CDC or other health agency, or under the discretion of the BEECH Board.  

We are doing everything that we can to have a successful and safe year with plenty of fun for our families.  We know that things will look different this year and hope and pray that things will return to "normal" in the near future.  In the meantime, if all of us adhere to and follow the COVID-19 plan and policies we have a much better chance at being successful and being able to maintain in-person activities for the year.

Please remember that we are a Community and our choices could collectively impact everyone that belongs to BEECH.  It is essential that BEECH Members, their children, and family fulfill their responsibilities within the entire BEECH COVID-19 plan.  

By clicking "YES, I/We agree and understand" below, my spouse and I are digitally signing this form and giving our acknowledgment that I/we understand and agree to the aforementioned BEECH Preventative measures and agree that I/we, our children and family members will adhere to the above policies, procedures, responsibilities, and requirements of the entire BEECH COVID-19 Plan including its preventative measures, health and safety standards, face mask policy and notification/quarantine exposure procedures. 

God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1

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