Staff at the Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area completed health and safety training before the Club re-opened on June 8.
According to a release, training from Sanford Health and Beltrami County Public Health included how to properly wear cloth masks, the use of touchless thermometers and how to complete a health assessment.
Cloth masks were donated by the United Way of Bemidji Area.
The Club adopted an Infectious Disease Plan to follow while operating under COVID-19 guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health. All youth and staff complete a health assessment, including a temperature check, before entering the Club for the summer program.
“We are excited to partner with the Boys & Girls Club and have been working closely with them on their opening plan,” said Kayla Winkler, spokesperson for Sanford Health. “They have done a great job with putting all of the necessary safety measures in place to provide a safe environment for our kids.”
The Club re-opened June 8 for kids in first through fifth grade on a full-day, fee-based models, and groups are kept to a 1:9 ratio with staff. Registrations are still being accepted but openings are limited, and the program will run through September 4, with a week closure for the Independence Day holiday.
“We are grateful to our community partners, Club supporters and our staff for helping us create the policies and procedures necessary to open the Club safely,” said Andrea Kent, Club executive director. “Our priority is to protect the health and safety of our Club members and staff and minimize the chances of spreading COVID-19 in our community.”
For more information about the summer program and COVID-19 safety guidelines, visit bgcbemidji.org.
