Dear fellow Scouting members,

As a Movement that cares for the youth, we are actively working together in our communities to make the world a better place. I am sure that, like me, you are all concerned about the recent confirmation of the first COVID-19 virus in South Africa.

Please find below a link to a video from the World Health Organisation with accurate information about the Corona Virus. It also gives pointers on how you can best protect yourself and others from the spread of this virus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1APwq1df6Mw&feature=emb_title

We also need to be conscious that, while this is the first case to be confirmed, there is a strong possibility that it may spread further.  If this does take place, we need to be responsible and ensure that we do not contribute to the spread.

Because of this, I would like anyone planning or organising events –  in the short to medium term – to also look at a contingency plan which includes a potential postponement or cancellation of the event, if that becomes necessary. In the worst case, we may have to look at the impact on regular Scouting programmes, but we are definitely nowhere near that point yet, and hopefully we will not get there.

In the meantime, let’s all contribute to keeping ourselves and others safe. Educate yourself so that you can assist in making sure that people are taking sensible precautions and not creating panic.

Yours in Scouting,

Brendon Hausberger
Chief Scout

More information can be found here: https://www.scouts.org.za/members/covid-19-info-for-members/