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The 4-H BC Board of Directors made this decision after careful consideration and with the health of our youth members, leaders, families and communities as our top priority. We recognize the hard work 4-H’ers dedicated to the program and share the disappointment in the inconvenience of having programs suspended. We call on the 4-H family to proactively take these precautions to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities.

The provincial 4-H office is monitoring the situation on a continual basis and are following recommended steps from public, local, federal government agencies.  We encourage everyone to look to official sources and do the same.  At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada. Updated information on COVID-19, including questions and answers for the public are available by visiting:

• British Columbia Health Authority  https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/public-health-alerts
• Health Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

4-H BC PROGRAMMING UPDATE

ALL in person 4-H events and activities at the club, district, regional and provincial level must be suspended until further notice.  The Board of Directors will continue to monitor the situation, to review and confirm whether further suspension of programming is required.

LOCAL CLUB EVENTS

• Clubs must suspend any planned in person events or activities until further notice (including general meetings, project meetings, fundraisers, Achievement programs, community service activities, etc.).
• Clubs or project groups can meet virtually, provided they meet the requirements of the Rule of Two
• Members can continue to work on their own individual projects with their own families at home (e.g. Completing record books, working with project animals or on project articles or activities). Youth under 19 years old must be under the supervision of their parents/guardians as individual work is not considered insurable 4-H activity.

DISTRICT & REGIONAL EVENTS

• All District and Regional in person events (Communications, Judging, field days, etc.) are to be suspended until further notice.
• District and Regional Meetings must be suspended or transitioned to a digital platform.

Options for contactless meetings:

• Zoom – Basic Personal Meeting, Free https://zoom.us/pricing
• Facebook Messenger
• FaceTime
• 6 Best Free Video Conferencing Apps https://www.howtogeek.com/661906/the-6-best-free-video-conferencing-apps/
• 6 Best Free Conference Call Services https://fitsmallbusiness.com/best-free-conference-call-service/

UPCOMING PROVINCIAL PROGRAMS

• 4-H BC Provincial Communication Finals scheduled for July 2 - 5, 2020 in Prince George is cancelled for this year.
• Ambassador Training scheduled for May 15-18, 2020 in Abbotsford is presently scheduled to proceed as planned**.
• Food For Thought scheduled for July 12-17, 2020 in Langley is presently scheduled to proceed as planned**.

** The status of these programs could change depending on circumstances as we reassess. We will continue to assess and communicate information as it becomes available and notify all affected parties if there are any changes.

ADMINISTRATION

• The 4-H BC Provincial Council office will be closed to the public with business being conducted electronically (conference calls, etc.) until further notice.  Normal office hours of 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday to Friday continue to be in effect.
• The 4-H BC Provincial Council board of directors will be conducting the Annual General Meeting by conference call.
• Leader Training Workshops are under review and will be assessed on a case by case basis.  Those that have registered for workshops will be notified of the workshop status.

We encourage everyone to practice good hygiene and remind them to follow all of the recommendations from British Columbia Health Authority to take precautions to protect themselves and the most vulnerable in our communities. 

• Wash your hands using soap and water frequently
• Avoid touching your face
• Practice good cough and sneeze hygiene (into the bend of your elbow)
• Practice social distancing measures (no handshakes, hugs, kisses and avoid public gatherings)
• Learn about self-monitoring and self isolation. Those that have traveled internationally or out-of-province recently, or are showing any flu-like symptoms, may need to be isolated.
• Avoid visiting those at a higher risk to protect them (including seniors and those with underlying medical conditions)
• If you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or if you have symptoms, stay home and call Health Line 811 for instructions
• Use your best judgement to keep yourself, your families and fellow 4-H’ers safe and healthy.

The 4-H BC Provincial Council will continue to monitor government health information and the responses of other 4-H and youth organizations. We will share any updates or changes as soon as possible, should they arise. Updates will be posted on the 4-H BC website and social media platforms.  If you have any concerns, please call the 4-H BC office at 250-545-0336 or 1-866-776-0373.