Clubs remain open, extend programs… – The Seattle Times

Posted on: March 13, 2020

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Boys & Girls Clubs of King County are open, accepting new members, extending programs, and serving hot meals while keeping a close eye on the number of kids who come through the doors, the organization said Friday. “We want to support those families who may be experiencing challenges due to school closures in our area,” said Laurie Black, president, and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of King County, which has 10 locations: Bainbridge Island, Ballard, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond Elementary, Sammamish, Smilow Rainier Vista, North Seattle, View Ridge, and Wallingford.

The clubs have no evidence of  anyone there having contracted the COVID-19 virus, and have instituted the following policies at all clubs:

Families and staff will be asked at dropoff if they have had contact with anyone who has a confirmed case of the coronavirus or is awaiting test results in the last 14 days. If the answer is yes, the youth is unable to attend and the staff is unable to return to work until after the quarantine has passed.

Youth and staff are required to wash their hands upon arrival and will wash thoroughly before eating meals and snacks, and throughout the day.

If the club experiences a confirmed case of coronavirus — in a staff member or youth — the club will close down for at least two days to allow the disinfection of all surfaces.

And starting next week, youths’ temperatures will be taken before entry; if it is over 100 degrees, staff or youth will be sent home and told to contact their primary care provider.

Capacity will be limited to fewer than 250 people, including staff. The club will maintain a 15:1 ratio between attendees and staff in elementary programming and 20:1 in the teen centers.

There is no additional cost to current youth and teen club members; new members will be responsible for a $50 membership fee and a $25 daily fee. New teen members will pay only the $50 membership fee.

Parents are advised to call their neighborhood club to confirm the starting times or visit the club’s website.

“We are working to be as flexible and responsive as possible to our family and community needs in this time of upheaval,” Black said.

Nicole Brodeur| Published March 13 20 |  Clubs Are Open, Accepting New Members…| Seattle Times

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Boys & Girls Clubs of King County

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