The safety of participants, staff and volunteers remains our highest priority throughout the event. In line with the changing COVID situation we constantly review and update our COVID policy.
WAGGGS COIVD UPDATE
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill. Guiding and Scouting around the world stopped. To support our national Member Organizations worldwide to respond and adapt to this new challenge, WAGGGS formed a working group of highly experienced volunteer advisors to provide consultancy support. They acted as a sounding board for Member Organisations and were on hand to help navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19 – from adapting programme delivery, to grants or funding applications, to leadership and more. We also created moments and platforms that kept the sisterhood connected at the time when it was needed the most.
18 months on from when the pandemic began, whilst we can’t say that life is back to normal, we are starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel as the world begins to learn to live with COVID. With the roll out of vaccination programmes, many governments have begun to relax their travel guidance and re-open their borders. There is a huge variation between countries in the availability of vaccines and the level of acceptance of vaccines by the population.
In line with the changing COVID situation WAGGGS continues to review and update our COVID guidance. Staff and volunteers have cautiously started to travel again for ‘business critical’ situations. We have also announced the re-opening of Pax Lodge, Sangam and Our Chalet in 2022. Some face-to-face events organised by WAGGGS will also happen during 2022.
As we take these steps, the safety of staff, volunteers and children & youth members across the world remains our highest priority. WAGGGS is following these guidelines to ensure face-to-face activities are as safe possible:
- All events, activities and operations will be delivered adhering at a minimum to all national and local government laws and guidelines
- Events and activities will be organised following scientific-based measures to minimise the spread of infection. This includes provision of hand sanitiser, encouragement of social distancing and offer of masks as appropriate.
- Information will be sent to all event participants in advance of travel regarding what is covered by WAGGGS insurance (when applicable) and what individual responsibility there is for arranging personal cover in advance of travel.
We look forward to being able to connect with you in person once again.