UPDATED March 7, 2022:
The safety of our youth, families, volunteers, and event participants remains New Hampshire 4-H's overriding priority. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the potential risk of exposure, all 4-H volunteers must adhere to the following guidelines before, during, and after in-person 4-H experiences. 4-H experiences include club meetings, events, SPINs, farm visits, or other in-person 4-H activities or programs.
1. Get approval for your activity.
Contact your County 4-H Program Manager prior to your activity for approval and any updates to the safety guidelines. All 4-H experiences MUST be approved in advance by a 4-H Staff Member.
2. Communication with families
Communication with participants and families must be clear in outlining the Covid protocols so families can make their own decisions on whether they are comfortable participating. All parents/guardians must review Covid-19 guidelines for the 4-H experience.
1. Sign in to a 4-H experience.
ALL participants (staff, volunteers, parents, youth, etc.) by signing in agree to follow all Covid-19 guidelines for the 4-H experience. If a participant cannot follow guidelines, they will be asked to leave the program.
Please keep a record of attendance for your program.
Although not required, programs may use the UNH Health Screening sign for self-screening
2. Face coverings.
Guidance for mask-wearing will follow the CDC recommendations. The current CDC guidance is based on community levels of hospitalization.
CDC Mask Guidance Based on Community Levels
Currently, mask-wearing is not required in any of the NH counties.
3. Make hand sanitizer and/or handwashing stations available.
- Hand sanitizer and/or handwashing areas/stations must be available and used frequently.
- Bathrooms must have soap and sanitation supplies w/reminders to clean areas touched after use.
- Hand sanitizer is not a complete substitute for handwashing. Washing is preferred.
- Encourage staff and participants to avoid touching the face.
- Provide frequent handwashing opportunities.
- CDC Resources:
- Handwashing: Clean Hands to Change Lives
- Health Promotion Materials (signs, posters, etc.). Consider posting in bathrooms and other areas.
4. Cleaning & Sanitation
- Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are frequently
- Cleaning and sanitation must occur in any area or for any supplies/equipment that may have been used by someone with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case.
5. Monitor participants for symptoms.
If a participant begins to show flu-like symptoms or becomes sick during a program, they should be isolated from the rest of the group until a parent/guardian can arrange for them to leave. Recommend that they contact their healthcare professional.
