The safety and wellness of the burn survivors, families, staff, volunteers and community partners with whom we work with are of the highest importance to the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. With the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) into communities throughout California and the US, we want to assure you that COVID-19 does not pose an immediate concern for our camps and programs. Currently we require temperature and health screenings prior to attending Champ Camp, but we are also working on an emergency operations plan, including a communicable disease plan, for all of our camps and programs. We will work with our local health officials to collaborate, share information and review plans to help protect our community.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus, or a respiratory virus that infects animals and humans. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

How do I prevent getting COVID-19?

The COVID-19 virus spreads easily via droplet when a sick person coughs or sneezes within a 6-foot range of others. There are ways to prevent becoming sick with COVID-19 including:

• Clean your hands often
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Clean surfaces every day (examples: counters, tabletops, doorknobs, toilets, phones, etc.)
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care
• Separate yourself from other people and animals, if you are sick

What if I think I have COVID-19?

If you are sick with COVID-19, or suspect you are infected with COVID-19, follow the steps on how to prevent getting COVID-19 in order to prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.

What are some special considerations for burn survivors and the COVID-19?

Some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness, including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. Burns damage the skin’s protective barrier, meaning bacteria and other foreign invaders can sneak in. Burns also weaken the immune system, so the body is less able to fight off threats. If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.

Where can I get more information about COVID-19?

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus

https://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/coronavirus-information-camps

https://childrensnational.org/visit/resources-for-families/wellness-resources/coronavirus

We are monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control on updates on the spread of the coronavirus, as well as for information on how to prevent the virus. We will share timely information with you regarding any possible program cancellations or additional precautions we will be taking to ensure the safety of our program participants. If you have any concerns or have questions about the ways AARBF is dealing with COVID-19, please contact Jennifer Radics-Johnson, Executive Director, at (818) 848-0223 ext. 12 or at [email protected].