While Jackson County schools are closed because of the coronavirus situation, the Boys and Girls Club of Seymour plans to be open.
Girls Inc. of Jackson County next door at 956 N. O’Brien St., Seymour, however, will be closed through April 3.
Beginning today, the Boys and Girls Club, 950 N. O’Brien St., Seymour, will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for school-aged youth.
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“Our first priority are members who are in need. If you are not working or have alternative options, please exercise those first,” the club wrote in a post to families on its Facebook page.
The club will open up to the first 100 kids and have a wait list as staff is available. Following Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s order, the club will not exceed 250 kids at a time.
This week, Seymour Community School Corp. is on spring break. The Boys and Girls Club will be open through that and the school shutdown until April 6.
“We understand the effect coronavirus, COVID-19, has had in our state and have been working closely with community partners to find a way to serve the children of Seymour/Jackson County during this outbreak,” the club wrote.
The decision to remain open was not made lightly.
“We have protocols in place that help reduce risk,” the club said. “For example, checking temperatures at the door or if a child appears ill and removing them from programming. We will, as we already do, encourage handwashing should a child sneeze or touch their face and send them to the restroom to wash hands. We clean and disinfect nightly but will be disinfecting more often through the program day.”
Club officials said it’s important families know they are doing everything possible to keep children and staff protected. They also are closely monitoring reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Schneck Medical Center for all updated information.
At this time, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible, the club said.
“We want to remind our families that for the more than 73 years, Boys and Girls Club of Seymour has acted as a beacon of hope for the community,” the club said. “Our clubs have always been safe havens for Seymour’s youth, and we provide parents and guardians peace of mind every day. Even if your child does not need the club at this time, we hope you will see this as an investment in our kids and our community.”
Anyone with questions or concerns should call the club at 812-522-2434 or visit facebook.com/bgcseymour.
“Our commitment to you and your children is unwavering,” the club said. “We will continue to monitor the situation, and our status may change, so please keep an eye on our page.”
In a post directed toward parents and caregivers, Girls Inc. said its closure is an effort to keep girls, staff and volunteers safe.
“We are following the recommendations of the CDC, our local medical community and our board of directors,” Girls Inc. shared in the post.
On April 3, officials will re-evaluate and follow community and CDC guidelines.