March 12 – COVID-19 Update

Greetings 4-H Families!

There has been a recent confirmation of the coronavirus in the state of Ohio leading to public health concerns related to disease transmission. As a result, The Ohio State University has been proactively implementing protocols for insuring the safety and health for our students, clientele and staff.  After consultation with the college and university leadership, we are following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, Ohio Department of Health, and the university in being aggressively proactive to prevent the potential spread of communicable respiratory illness.

We understand this may cause inconvenience, but please know that your health and the health of our community at-large is our biggest priority. We will be postponing or cancelling gatherings, face-to-face programming, and meetings deemed not critical to our mission or considered non-essential through April 20 to provide time for additional vigilance as we learn more about how this virus is affecting Ohioans. No new events will be scheduled.

This situation is constantly evolving. Our office is receiving statewide updates multiple times per day, and we will provide updates related to events and restrictions as we have them.

NEW UPDATE – Status of Club Meetings: Per Extension Administration, no face-to-face meetings should take place effective immediately through April 20. This is different information than I shared in Wednesday evening’s communication with 4-H volunteers. Please take advantage of virtual meeting opportunities where available.

Status of Upcoming Programs on the Muskingum County 4-H Calendar (as of 3/12/2020):

March 14 – Ohio 4-H Conference: Cancelled

March 14 – Junior Leaders/Plowboy Prom: Cancelled

March 16 – Enrollment Deadline is still 11:59 p.m.

March 19 – Camp Team Meeting: Cancelled, may add time to future meetings if needed as camp approaches

March 23 – Junior Fair Board Meeting: Cancelled, April, May, June Meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m.

March 26 – Livestock Subcommittees: 4-H Goat, Poultry, Rabbit and Saddle Horse Committee Meetings are canceled by the Extension Office. Junior Fair Livestock Committee will also not meet, per my communication with Senior Fair Board members. Committees will meet at designated times on May 28.

Per Extension Administration, 4-H Committees cannot meet between now and April 20, unless virtual. Please consult with the Extension Office if you would like to meet virtually or if you feel it is necessary to schedule a meeting between April 20 and May 28.

Goat, Poultry, Rabbit and Saddle Horse Committee Presidents should turn a committee member roster into the Extension Office by April 1. I will be in contact with committee presidents about business that needs to be conducted in the near future.

March 28 – Cloverbud Science Saturday: Cancelled

March 28 – Quality Assurance: Cancelled. March 31, April 22 and May 4 dates remain on the calendar but are subject to change based on status of restrictions.

March 28 – Small Animal Fun Day: Cancelled. May be rescheduled, offered virtually or by individual committees when allowed.

March 28 – Winner’s Circle Kick-Off: Face-to-face event cancelled, Extension staff exploring options to continue program for 2020.

March 31 – Campership Application Deadline still 4:30 p.m.

March 31 – Quality Assurance Test-Out and Session: Will continue as scheduled, but subject to change based on status of restrictions.

April 2 – Junior Leaders Etiquette Dinner: Cancelled.

April 6 – 4-H Committee: Cancelled Face to Face. More information will be shared directly with the Committee.

April 9 – 4-H CARTEENS: Will continue as scheduled, but subject to change based on status of restrictions.

April 13 – Camp Registration Packets Available

April 13 – Quality Assurance Test-Out: Will continue as scheduled, but subject to change based on status of restrictions.

April 15 – Club Paperwork Deadline still 4:30 p.m.

April 16 – Camp Team Training: Will continue as scheduled, but subject to change based on status of restrictions.

April 17-18 – 4-H Camp Ohio Camp Counselor Workshop: Will continue as scheduled, but subject to change based on status of restrictions.

April 20 – Extension Advisory Committee: Cancelled Face to Face. More information will be shared directly with the Committee.