The situation is changing day-to-day, so we will continue to update this blog with new developments.
UPDATE: MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2020
SheJumps will be canceling all events until further notice.
This decision is for the health and safety of all our team members and participants. Moving through this crisis highlights the importance of mental health and the role that our organization plays with that. On so many levels, what SheJumps stands for and the services we provide is a critical piece for healing as a community from this pandemic.
We look forward to providing more programs in the future, but for now, we are all practicing social distancing, and encouraging our friends, family, and team members to avoid gatherings. We will be sharing additional resources and ways you can still (safely) get outside.
When you go outside: please remember to adventure in a 'low-risk' format. What does that mean? Healthcare systems are already experiencing a huge stress—adding an injured person to the queue won't help anyone. Be safe, healthy, and stay positive!
—Claire Smallwood, executive director & co-founder
From Thursday March 12, 2020:
As you know, the Center for Disease Control has warned that it is highly likely that the coronavirus (COVID-19) will continue to spread in US communities. SheJumps is carefully tracking the recommendations of public health agencies, and our hearts go out to those who have been affected. The health and safety of our community is our top priority and we will diligently implement recommended actions while doing everything we can to sustain our mission and operations. Below you will find our guidance and updates for volunteers and participants. We will continue to update as new information is available.
SheJumps hosts programs and events in more 22 states. While our limited staff is not able to update each individual state’s recommendations, we are using a rubric for decision-making when it comes to attending, hosting, or canceling an event. A huge thanks to the Mountaineers organization for sharing this information with us.
As you can imagine, the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak are significant. Your generosity is more critical than ever so we thank you in advance for any support you can provide to SheJumps and our mission. If you are in a position to do so, it would be greatly appreciated to set up a monthly recurring donation in this time of uncertainty.
FOR VOLUNTEERS:
In light of this new guidance, we updated our decision-making rubric for volunteers and will be sharing updates here so you can view the most current SheJumps recommendations in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. It's designed as a resource for members, volunteers, guests, and staff.
FOR PARTICIPANTS:
If your activity is cancelled, you will receive a direct message notifying you of the cancellation. Cancellations will also be posted on each activity page on our website, so please check your activity’s posting for updates. If you need to cancel your personal participation due to illness or Coronavirus related issue, you will be given a full refund. In order to receive the full refund, please email the event organizer or info@shejumps.org
If you are not feeling well, or are at high risk, please opt-out of our programming for a full refund. Preliminary research is showing the virus is moderately infectious and probably transmitted through sneezes, coughs, and contaminated surfaces. As a precautionary measure, we are asking that we all heighten our hygiene practices during, prior to, and after all SheJumps activities to reduce risk.
A FEW SIMPLE PRACTICES WE ADVISE:
Wash hands frequently before, after, and during all SheJumps gatherings or activities.
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing; remember to cough/sneeze into your elbow and to wash hands afterward.
Avoid touching your face.
Stay home if you’re feeling sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
If you are sick and wondering what to do, call your healthcare provider before you go to a clinic or emergency room. #Callfirst
Show compassion and support for individuals and communities most impacted and anyone who might be sick. Viruses don’t discriminate and neither should we.
People at higher risk for serious illness should consider taking extra precautions such as those listed on the Washington State Department of Health website.
The health and safety of our community is paramount and our highest priority. Before you participate in a program, please perform a simple 'yes or no' self-evaluation about whether or not you have:
Known exposure to an infected person?
Traveled in the last 14 days to areas defined by the CDC as a COVID-19 Level 2 or Level 3 risk?
A fever of 99.5°F or higher?
Body aches, chills, or fatigue?
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
A cough?
A headache?
A sore throat?
A stuffy or runny nose?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions (or are showing symptoms of cold, flu, sore throat, fever, or generally are not feeling well), we ask that you please stay home.
With this said, we also recognize that SheJumps activities bring people together, often in large groups and sometimes in close contact. Social distancing is an intervention to increase the physical distance between people and reduce the spread of a disease. At this time, we are preparing for the possibility of social distancing should it become a recommended intervention.
You can learn more about the Coronavirus and how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the CDC's website. We will actively continue to stay informed and follow any CDC guidance as well as more specific guidance from public state health officials.