COVID-19 Important Updates & Frequently Asked Questions

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio has updated our guidelines based on changes in recommendations from the CDC. This means that masking is optional at all Girl Scout activities and properties based on current conditions, effective March 4, 2022.

For your convenience, we have created a chart to more clearly communicate the CDC's guidelines for when to test, quarantine, and mask.

Based on current high levels of population immunity, the CDC has revised their classification system so that counties are rated as low, medium, or high based on new cases of COVID and hospitalization rates. Members are encouraged to monitor their counties’ transmission rates moving forward and use appropriate measures.

Counties in red should continue to mask and use standard COVID safety practices. If Ohio conditions change so that community levels move into the high risk (red) level, standard COVID restrictions should be used.

Note: Program partners and non-Girl Scout property meeting locations may have different requirements. Please check in advance for their specific guidelines.

The changes in COVID community levels means that the following guidelines will be changed as outlined below:

General Safety Guidelines for All Girl Scouts

Masks – Masks are optional for all Girl Scouts of Western Ohio activities and properties. We respect and support the choice to wear a mask for any individual choosing to do so. Masking is still recommended for individuals who are immuno-compromised, part of a vulnerable population, or in regular contact with someone with this status.

Social Distancing is no longer required. This means that COVID restrictions on capacity are removed for all Girl Scout properties. Members should check with other organizations to verify their capacity guidelines since these may vary.

Cleaning and Hygiene Guidelines will reflect standard, non-COVID practices, but members are encouraged to ensure that all participants still wash hands regularly and thoroughly clean surfaces to prevent a resurgence of any of the highly transmissible variants of COVID.

Girl Scout “no touch” limitations are removed. (Yay to friendship circles!)

GSWO Offices, Shops, & Properties

All COVID limitations on the use of Girl Scout properties are removed, including capacity limitations, restricted availability to reduce contact between groups and additional cleaning requirements. This also means that all offices are also available for troop and other meetings, program events, and overnights, as appropriate. We are working to make changes to the online registration system as quickly as possible. If you are unable to register for a property because COVID restrictions are still in place, please call Customer Care at 888.350.5090 for assistance.

Food Preparation & Meals

All restrictions are lifted on food preparation and eating together. Members are encouraged to remember that COVID is still highly transmissible and present in the population, and to continue using good hygiene practices at meals.

Travel

Conditions and restrictions may vary widely across the country and outside the country. Please investigate the COVID community levels, guidelines, and restrictions for all travel locations, means of transport, and facilities

Domestic travel is allowed when COVID guidelines are followed and precautions are adhered to.
International travel is allowed based on the COVID status and restrictions of the USA and the destination country.
Troop travel must be submitted for approval using the Troop Trip and Activity Notification Form.

Illness & Quarantine Information

If you feel ill or have a fever, please do not attend a Girl Scout activity. Girl Scouts who believe they may have COVID are encouraged to get tested and limit exposure to others.

If you have tested positive for COVID, stay home for 5 days.
If you were exposed to COVID and are vaccinated or have had COVID in the previous 90 days, no quarantine is necessary. Unvaccinated individuals should quarantine for 5 days. Testing is recommended.
Council notification is not required unless you believe that you were positive at a council event. (If this is the case, please fill out the Incident / Accident Report form.) It is recommended that you communicate with individuals with whom you had close contact shortly before testing positive.

FAQS

What should I do if I'm sick?
Please see the Illness & Quarantine Information section for safety recommendations and the appropriate steps to take in order keep your Girl Scout sisters safe.

What if health guidelines change?
We will continue to monitor CDC guidelines and the external environment and make appropriate updates to keep girls safe while providing a great Girl Scout experience!

Thank you for all you have done (and continue to do!) to support each other and keep our communities healthy throughout the pandemic. You have demonstrated extraordinary Girl Scout spirit and commitment to making the world a better place!