In recent weeks, Suffolk has seen a sharp increase of Covid-19 cases, particularly in children and young adults. Suffolk County Council is now receiving additional support from central government to help tackle this public health matter. A specially formed task group has been formed in the last few days and has introduced additional measures for schools and education settings.

Suffolk Scouts has sought guidance from Region and Scout Headquarters who advise that Commissioners should make local arrangements consistent with their situation and local needs. Implementing any additional measures necessary to meet POR Rule 5.35, which gives that, the County Commissioner is responsible for the local management of the Safety Policy and obligates our co-operation with all bodies whose work is relevant to Scouting.

All County and District Sections, Groups and their Sections are to implement measures 1 to 4 of this instruction no later than Monday 8th November 2021.
We strongly advise that adult members of Suffolk Scouts closely follow the advice of the authorities and public health professionals including the NHS and consider if their plans to manage the risk of the spread of Covid-19 remain sufficient.

Suffolk Scouts will review its position and requirements continually and provide updates as necessary.

Any queries or questions relating to this should be passed through Commissioners to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for resolution.

Additional Covid-19 Measures Instruction

1. When planning activities Leaders must:

– Undertake a Risk Assessment i n doing so you may decide to introduce further measures or change the way you do things
– Communicate your Risk Assessment to those who need it; this includes leaders, young people and their parents

2. Before attending Scouts attendees must:

– Check for symptoms of COVID 19 . Any person displaying Covid 19 symptoms should self isolate immediately and get a free NHS test
– Do not attend if you are required to self isolate If any person has a positive test, or have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace they must not attend Scouts
– Think about other health factors. If any person feels unwell but do not have COVID 19 symptoms, or their COVID 19 test is negative, they may still have an illness which could be passed on to other people and should not attend Scouts
– Test before attendance. Where possible attendees should take a rapid lateral flow test to make sure they aren’t spreading the virus without knowing it.

3. Whilst attending Scouts people must:

– Follow guidance on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID19), This includes washing or sanitising their hands frequently (f or example, after touching surfaces like handrails).
– Encourage people to wear face coverings if they can, especially when they are in crowded (within 2m of another person for more than 15 mins) and enclosed areas (indoors or outside) where they come into contact with people they do not usually meet with (people outside of their household, normal social circle)
– Use the NHS COVID 19 app to help NHS Test and Trace stop the spread of the virus.
– Be prepared to stop activities at anytime if they feel unsafe or there is a risk of harm to any person.

4. After activities Leaders must:

– Report any near misses or accidents includes incidents of Covid 19 in the normal way.

Ref: SFLK-CTY-GBN-RP-HS-122-A
Published: 04.11.21