The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County works every day to create a safe, fun environment, so kids have every opportunity to be successful in life.

In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we will use the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stay informed by our local authorities and collaborate with community partners in our efforts to plan, prepare and respond to COVID-19.

Clubs are being proactive and currently follow effective strategies to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and build upon our everyday policies and practices.

Club Safeguards

Both Club members and parents will notice the safety measures at Clubs. Here is what to expect:

• Club members with a fever must stay home, or a guardian will be called to pick up the sick child immediately.
• Club members and staff are reminded of proper handwashing instructions: wet, lather, scrub for 20 seconds, rinse and dry.
• Club staff disinfect and sanitize all used surfaces daily or as needed.
• Clubs have tissues readily available to cover coughs and sneezes. Tissues will only be used once before being placed in conveniently located receptacles.
• Clubs provide hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol) throughout facilities.
• Club members and staff must use hand sanitizer before entering program areas and upon exiting. Exceptions will be made for those with skin sensitivities.
• Club members must sanitize their hands upon entering the bus.
• Club members must wash their hands before eating.
• Upon entering Clubs, parents and guests must use hand sanitizer.

What You Need to Know about COVID-19

Risk of infection is dependent on exposure. Close contact with people who are infected puts you at greater risk of exposure. Cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Florida and other parts of the U.S. Currently, there is no vaccine to protect against the disease and there is no antiviral treatment. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

Symptoms

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with these symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Pneumonia in both lungs in severe cases

Simple Precautions

Since the best way to protect your family and yourself is by avoiding exposure to the virus, there are some simple everyday preventive actions that you can take.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds frequently
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not available.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue away immediately
• Stay home if you are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces if you become sick

If you need further information please go to www.cdc.gov/COVID19.