We are happy to announce that Yavapai County has hit the three benchmarks for our Community-based and School-based plus matches to start meeting again in-person as of 3/3/2021. However, we want our matches to feel comfortable meeting in-person and take proper precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy. Below are YBBBS’s recommendations for in-person match outings, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control, Arizona Department of Health Services, and Yavapai County Community Health Services.
- It is very important to remember that if any match party (Big, Little, or Parent/Guardian) does not feel comfortable, there is no pressure from YBBBS to start in-person outings again. YBBBS wants each match to do what is best for each person. Additionally, it is important not to pressure your Big, Little or Little’s family to start outings if they are not comfortable. Please be considerate of the wishes of your Big or Little when it comes to in-person outings.
- If any party is ill or has been exposed to someone who is ill, even if it’s not COVID-19, the match should not start meeting until everyone is completely recovered. Also, consider your own potential risks. If you are more at-risk to develop serious symptoms or complications from COVID-19, consider delaying in-person outings. To find out if you are at higher risk, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html.
- We have contacted the Yavapai County Health Department and as schools are going back into sessions and the numbers of cases County wide are decreasing, we have included the following guidelines taking into consideration the spirit of our program as one to one in-person mentoring. If you and your Big or Little decide to resume in-person outings, please take reasonable safety measures to keep everyone healthy.
- YCCHS/YBBBS’s guidelines for in-person outings include:
- Consider outdoor activities in uncrowded areas, if possible
- Avoid places where it is difficult to remain 6 feet away from other people
- Minimize sharing of items, i.e. food, drinks, pens, sports equipment.
- Wash your hands frequently and keep hand sanitizer close by for times when hand washing is unavailable
- No physical contact, i.e. hugs, high-fives, handshakes, etc.
- Parents and Guardians should be clear about any restrictions they require and give specific approval for outings
- Bigs need to communicate exactly what the match plans to do together and let the Parent or Guardian know where the match will be going
- There should be no unscheduled stops during the outing without Parent or Guardian approval
- Per CDC guidelines, please wear a mask if the match is going somewhere where it will be difficult to follow social distancing guidelines
- Avoid large groups
- Stay local and consider shorter outings for the time being
- Do not include anyone else on the outings, i.e. Big’s spouse, Little’s siblings, etc.
Even though Yavapai County has met the benchmarks established by the Governor, this pandemic is still dynamic. We are grateful to our Bigs and families for hanging in there during this uncertain time. If you have any questions, please call or email your Match Advisor. Stay safe, and stay healthy!