Coronavirus update
12/14/2020
Last updated: 12/14/20 @ 4:00 p.m.
We at BBBSNH are continuing to monitor information from state health officials and following the CDC guidelines for travel and exposure. Our organization remains in full operation, but all staff are working remotely and all of our offices are closed to the public.
Guidelines for matches who wish to see each other in person:
The following guidelines have been established to give matches the ability to make an informed decision about whether they should and/or can see each other in person. Covid19 cases continue to rise in NH. Please make sure you are following all safety protocols to limit exposure.
- If anyone (Big, Little, or anyone living with them) has been or exhibits signs or symptoms of Covid19 they are prohibited from seeing each other until the symptoms have gone away and they have quarantined for at least 10 days.
- Ultimately, the parent has the final say in whether they are comfortable with the match seeing each other in person.
- Bigs are not obligated to see their Little in person if they feel that they are not comfortable if or when the parent or child requests an in person visit.
- If unable to maintain 6 feet apart (from each other or others) always wear a face covering. NH has a mask mandate
- Try to avoid groups.
- Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing.
- Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces (such as bikes, crafting supplies etc.) using standard cleaning products, according to the product's manufacturer label. Surfaces should be allowed to air dry. Be sure to wash hands!
- Choose activities that are not high risk or pose a risk factor in case of emergencies.
- Use discretion when deciding on meeting with a Little in person, if the Big or Parent feels that the Little will be unable to remain socially distant.
- Do not share food, supplies for projects etc. Ensure that both Big and Little have their own set of supplies to minimize cross contamination.
Please remember that parents are the ultimate decision maker of whether the match can meet in person. Here are some examples of social distance match outings:
- Geocaching
- Snow shoe or sledding
- Ice skating
- Take a walk in low traffic areas
- Leave a goodie basket at your Littles doorstep
- Driveway visit
- Have a Netflix party
- Virtual fitness class (Yoga)
If you have any questions, please contact your Match Support Specialist.
For our matches that meet at sites (schools, after school programs or workplaces)
At this time, Site Based Matches should continue with virtual only communication, as our sites will not be resuming in-person meetings for the remainder of the school year or summer. If you have been staying in touch with your Little through letters, phone calls or Zoom meetings, we encourage you to continue those efforts to stay connected. We will continue to monitor recommendations from the governor and CDC about resuming site based programming in the fall.
If you'd like to send letters to your Big/Little during this time, please put your name and your Big/Little's name on the letter and mail to BBBSNH c/o Jennifer Geary, 3 Portsmouth Ave. #2, Stratham, NH 03885. Correspondence will be forwarded as soon as possible.
Remember, mentoring is about connecting however you're able to do it, so while consistent meetings are a critical part of our program we encourage matches to find creative ways to stay in touch when that's not possible.
If you have any questions, please contact your Match Support Specialist.
Resources and information from the CDC
CDC- What to do if you're sick