What We Do
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE
March 5, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians –
Our commitment to keeping the young people we serve safe is always our number one priority. Following the Coronavirus
disease (COVID-19) outbreak, it’s important that you know Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta is doing everything possible
to keep your child, our staff and volunteers protected from its spread. We are also closely monitoring reports from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our local health department for all updated information.
As a reminder, we follow the operating schedules of local schools so if your local school has a closure, your local Club will
be closed as well.
We recommend these preventive actions that our Clubs and every family should take to prevent exposure to COVID-19.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Stay home when you are sick. Boys & Girls Clubs recommends keeping members home until they are 24 hours fever-free without medication.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask:
○ CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases,including COVID-19.
○ Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
- Wash your hands often:
○ 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.
○ It takes an average of 11.8 seconds to sing the entire Happy Birthday song, so if you sing it twice, that will ensure you’vescrubbed long enough. This is a great method to share with children in your family. While this measure is simple, it is effective.
○ If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash handswith soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For more information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website
- The CDC also provides specific guidance for travelers.
At this time, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible. Children should engage in usual preventive actions
to avoid infection, including cleaning hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding people
who are sick, and staying up to date on vaccinations, including influenza vaccine.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers a Parent/Caregiver guide
for COVID-19 with more helpful information
for families.
Should you have any questions or concerns about this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Our commitment to you and your children is unwavering.
Sincerely,
Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach
Additional Resources for You and Your Families
Basic handwashing videos to use with younger youth:
