Special Olympics Virginia COVID Fundraising Guidance Special Olympics Virginia (SOVA) is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of our athletes, volunteers, coaches, officials, staff and all that contribute to the success of our athletes in training and events. The purpose of this document is to provide athletes, coaches, agencies, volunteers and organizations involved with SOVA athletes with information to assist them in their return to events in the context of COVID-19. As a guideline meant to be used by a variety of activities as well as a variety of settings, this document cannot be prescriptive; rather it should be used as a basis for Special Olympics Virginia and their partners forming a unique return to events plan that matches their specific situation and environment. All return to event plans and timelines must be compliant with guidelines established by the CDC, the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health, and Special Olympics Virginia. There is no guarantee of an illness-free event even if you follow every precaution. It is indisputable, however, that planning, training, and implementing reasonable health and safety measures are the best ways to protect live events and the people who create them. EDUCATE YOUR VOLUNTEERS AND PARTICIPANTS Prior to an event, event organizers must make sure all people in attendance know the parameters in which you are operating so they can adhere to the guidance which should include but not be limited to wearing of masks, number of people in a group, physical distancing, etc.. At the event have signage reminding people of the guidelines. SYMPTOM SCREENING At an event be prepared to provide an area to check temperature with a non-contact thermometer and review the symptom check with the volunteers. A symptom sheet provided in the guidance document can be used at check in for events or sent to volunteers and participants prior to the event. Anyone with symptoms must be advised to vacate the premises and be advised to seek medical evaluation by their personal physician. Volunteers may be requested to perform the temperature check at home prior to departure if performing the temperature checks onsite is not feasible or practical to conduct. 1
Transcript
Special Olympics Virginia COVID Fundraising GuidanceSpecial Olympics Virginia (SOVA) is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of our athletes, volunteers, coaches, officials, staff and all that contribute to the success of our athletes in training and events. The purpose of this document is to provide athletes, coaches, agencies, volunteers and organizations involved with SOVA athletes with information to assist them in their return to events in the context of COVID-19. As a guideline meant to be used by a variety of activities as well as a variety of settings, this document cannot be prescriptive; rather it should be used as a basis for Special Olympics Virginia and their partners forming a unique return to events plan that matches their specific situation and environment. All return to event plans and timelines must be compliant with guidelines established by the CDC, the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health, and Special Olympics Virginia.
There is no guarantee of an illness-free event even if you follow every precaution. It is indisputable, however, that planning, training, and implementing reasonable health and safety measures are the best ways to protect live events and the people who create them.
EDUCATE YOUR VOLUNTEERS AND PARTICIPANTSPrior to an event, event organizers must make sure all people in attendance know the parameters in which you are operating so they can adhere to the guidance which should include but not be limited to wearing of masks, number of people in a group, physical distancing, etc.. At the event have signage reminding people of the guidelines.
SYMPTOM SCREENING
At an event be prepared to provide an area to check temperature with a non-contact thermometer and review the symptom check with the volunteers. A symptom sheet provided in the guidance document can be used at check in for events or sent to volunteers and participants prior to the event. Anyone with symptoms must be advised to vacate the premises and be advised to seek medical evaluation by their personal physician. Volunteers may be requested to perform the temperature check at home prior to departure if performing the temperature checks onsite is not feasible or practical to conduct.
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SOVA GUIDANCE ON TORCH RUNS
In accordance with current Special Olympics Virginia policy there should be no more than 50 people in a group running together during any Torch Run events. Multiple groups may participate in an event but must be staggered in terms of starts and spacing throughout the event.
Participants should wear a mask at events with the exception of when they are running or exercising vigorously.
Organizers of Torch Runs must have an Emergency Action Plan in case of illnesss, injury or the occurance of dangerous weather conditions that allows for proper physical distancing and adherence to COVID guidelines.
ATHLETES AT FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Special Olympics Virginia (SOVA) understands the importance of athlete participation in fundraising events around the state. SOVA also understands the importance of keeping our athletes and volunteers in the safest environment possible as we deal with the COVID 19 pandemic. Here are some guiding principles regarding athlete participation at fundraising activities:
Athletes and their families may always participate in a fundraising event as a participant in the event as would any individual in the Commonwealth under the current state restrictions and guidance.
Site Volunteers must have equipment available to do non-contact temperature checks of any athletes or volunteers.
It is recommended that any fundraising event involving athletes and their families be outside in space where physical distancing can be maintained between the athlete, volunteers and any public participant.
If the fundraising event must take place inside a building, the building must be well ventilated, have enough space for athletes and volunteers to maintain physical distancing and have ceiling heights and space that promote increased airflow.
Athletes, family members and volunteers must wear masks the entire event particularly when athletes or their families are present. Signage reminding the public to wear masks when in the proximity of an athlete would be recommended unless it is already required by the facility.
Hand sanitizing or hand washing facilities must be available at any event for athletes and volunteers.
Athletes should not engage the public unless physical distancing can be maintained at all times.
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For additional information and resources, visit www.specialolympics.org
Preventing the spread of COVID-19
BE AWAREIf you need to sneeze or cough, use the inside of your elbow or a tissue instead of your hands. Try not to touch your face. If you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after!
PRACTICE PHYSICAL DISTANCINGWe love hugs and high fives as much as you do, but at this time, it is important to stay 6 feet apart. Special Olympics events willit is important to stay 6 feet apart. Special Olympics events willlook a little different for a while to help everyone stay safe.
WASH YOUR HANDSWash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. You can also use hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of 60% or more.
KEEP IT CLEANFrequently clean and sanitize commonly touched objects with an antibacterial cleaner.an antibacterial cleaner.
FACE MASKSWear a face mask outside of your home, especially if you have a cough, runny nose, or are sneezing. At Special Olympics practice and events, you will be expected to wear a face mask, except during active physical activity.
STAY HOMEIf you feel sick, or are showing symptoms, stay home and call If you feel sick, or are showing symptoms, stay home and call your healthcare provider for evaluation.
