Updated December 2022
Our response to COVID-19 and these unprecedented times is never static. We evaluate and adapt our plan based on current information. We review our thinking on protocols and guidelines in the context of the data and information from the CDC and local health officials. We update this page with new information as decisions are made.
Council facilities (all office and camp locations) are partially open to support business needs, and we limit/schedule public visits.
Many Council Staff are working remotely and are available by phone and email during regular working hours.
If you need to meet with a staff member or visit a Council Office, contact the appropriate staff member or reghelp@girlscoutsaz.org to make arrangements.
There is daily employee activity at each of our offices/property locations. All others require approval.
As we find ways to resume important social, emotional, and life-enriching activities and “live” amid this pandemic, we must continue to utilize the safety best practices and recommendations that minimize the risk to ourselves, those we are responsible for, and those connected to us who are especially vulnerable.
Implement relevant and appropriate layered prevention strategies – more than one safety protocol in effect at all times.
In addition to vaccination, when possible, multiple safety measures are recommended across all activities.
Consider implementing the “Two of Three Rule” for in-person group gatherings. This means all participants must have at least two of the following three things in effect at all times: (1) being outside; (2) wearing a mask/face covering; and (3) being physically distanced (of at least 6 feet.)
In addition to vaccination, when possible, multiple safety measures are recommended across all activities.
Recognize that no single intervention is perfect at preventing the spread. Each intervention has its limitations. Multiple layers mitigate risk.
In addition to the guidance from the CDC and other validating authorities, GSUSA has provided all Councils with a set of guiding principles that aid in our decision-making process on reopening amid the pandemic. These are:
GSACPC follows the CDC’s guidance on face coverings/masks based on our COVID-19 Community Level. COVID-19 Community Levels are a tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data.
Please use the community-level tracker link below to check the current status and determine whether a face mask will be required while visiting a council property.
Individuals may choose to mask at any time regardless of the community level and are encouraged to take steps that make them most comfortable. Council staff will adapt to the community spaces we enter by honoring mask requirements.
Please note that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone who tested positive is not allowed on Council property, regardless if a mask is worn.
As we continue to pay close attention to guidance from the CDC, this space will contain relevant updates as needed.
Reference CDC’s guidance on properly selecting, wearing, and caring for face coverings/masks.
If you have a confirmed case, please contact the Council’s emergency line (602.531.5935) to communicate with affected families.
A tool to help determine how long you need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.
Status | Guidelines |
(regardless of vaccination status) & NO symptoms |
Isolate for at least 5 days and wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public for an additional 5 days if you are unable to wear a mask when around others, you should continue to isolate for 10 days. |
(regardless of vaccination status) & with symptoms |
Isolate for at least 5 days. You can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication and your symptoms have improved (Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation). Wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public for 5 additional days after the end of your 5-day isolation period if you are unable to wear a mask when around others, you should continue to isolate for 10 days. |
Close Contact / Exposed (up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations) |
No quarantine is required unless you develop symptoms. Test on day 5, if possible. Take precautions until day 10. If you develop symptoms – Isolate immediately and get tested. Continue to stay home until you know the results. Wear a well-fitted mask around others. |
Close Contact / Exposed (have had confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days) |
No quarantine is required unless you develop symptoms. Take precautions until day 10. If you develop symptoms – Isolate immediately and get tested. Continue to stay home until you know the results. Wear a well-fitted mask around others. |
Close Contact / Exposed (NOT up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations) |
Quarantine for at least 5 days. Wear a well-fitted mask if you must be around others in your home. Test on day 5. Take precautions until day 10. If you develop symptoms – Isolate immediately and get tested. Continue to stay home until you know the results. Wear a well-fitted mask around others. |
The date of your exposure is considered day 0. Day 1 is the first full day after your last contact with someone who has had COVID-19. Stay home and away from other people for at least 5 days.
If you recently traveled, refer to the CDC’s “After Travel” guidelines regarding your vaccination status to determine whether and when you can safely attend an in-person event.
Follow local government travel guidelines. Travel may be restricted or require anyone out of state and into AZ to quarantine. AZ Travel restrictions: visitarizona.com.
The CDC highly recommends persons who are eligible become COVID-19 vaccinated. If your girl(s) or members of your troop/group are not yet fully vaccinated or are otherwise at risk, prevent exposure and infection by utilizing multiple layers of interventions such as mask-wearing and social distancing. The best practice is to assume increased risk and use the recommended preventative measures.
We encourage Girl Scout volunteers and caregivers to have appropriate and respectful conversations about activity planning, comfortability and needs for troop and neighborhood gatherings.
First, reflect on why you are asking this question. It is appropriate to ask questions relevant to your family’s health in preparation for safety at an in-person gathering. You can ask whether someone is vaccinated if you interact with them in person, but you don’t need to know the reasoning behind their decisions.
Be transparent and honest about why you ask about someone’s vaccination status. Explain how the information will be used and set shared agreements about confidentiality. Do not force anyone to share nor require it to participate.
When planning activities/gatherings in places with an increased risk of transmission, such as indoors or airline travel, it would be essential to understand whether that is appropriate for all participants. Rather than asking about vaccination status, survey the group for locations and protocols they are comfortable with.
For all other situations, allow individuals to disclose their vaccination status as they are comfortable. Do not ask out of curiosity.
If you are asked to disclose your status and are uncomfortable, feel empowered to ask questions such as, “Why do you need this information?”
Focus on assessing your family’s vulnerability and risk to others. Familiarize yourself with protective measures and be reasonable about your access to these measures. You can also ask about location, capacity, transportation, and other aspects of the event the host(s) can control.
No one should feel obligated to put themselves at risk. We recommend respectfully sharing your comfort level, like being uncomfortable with indoor meetings unless everyone has been vaccinated. And then focus on solutions to find common ground. Start by acknowledging that it is a difficult time, and everyone wants to stay healthy and safe. Think of other ways to maintain connectedness — whether it is socially distant outdoor gatherings or Zoom meetings.
If you have additional questions related to these updates, please email reghelp@girlscoutsaz.org or call 602-452-7030.
We have assembled a limited listing of services in our communities, with access to their updates amid COVID-19.
However, ARIZONA 2-1-1 provides a comprehensive listing and information from all available service agencies throughout our state - to help individuals and families find food, pay house bills, and access free childcare and other essential services during our current situation. Arizonans can also get important COVID-19 information in English and Spanish by dialing 2-1-1. And via 877-211-8661 or www.211Arizona.org.
St. Mary’s Food Bank (West Phoenix and Sites Across the State)
Emergency food boxes are distributed through agencies all over the state, including mobile pantries. Visit their website to easily find a location near you. Need any type of ID and proof of residence.
Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank (Avondale)
Clothing Bank is closed until further notice. Drive-in food distribution.
Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center (Cave Creek)
Arizona Kosher Pantry (Central Phoenix)
Pantry will be open until further notice.
Andre House of Arizona (Downtown Phoenix)
Open for specific services, including to-go meals, individual access to the clothing closet, and bathing facilities. Details.
Harvest Compassion Center (North Phoenix and Maryvale)
Free groceries, hygiene items, baby items, and clothing.
Rio Vista Center (South Phoenix)
Modified food distribution, health, and safety precautions are in effect.
Casa De Amor (Mesa)
Modified food distribution, health, and safety precautions are in effect.
COVID-19 Legal Resource Page was recently launched by the Arizona Bar Foundation with the help of Community Legal Services, DNA People’s Legal Services, and Southern Arizona Legal Aid. It is being updated daily and will help provide answers to the most pressing COVID-19-related legal questions.
Community Legal Services has a series of resources and forms for tenants affected by COVID-19 – including requests for postponement of evictions.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is administered by USAC with oversight from the Federal Communications Commission to help people stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible households can get a temporary discount through selected providers of up to $50 per month towards broadband service and up to $75 per month for households on tribal lands.
They can also receive a $100 one-time discount for purchasing internet-connected devices such as laptops, desktops, or tablet computers.
More details are in this fact sheet.