To: Master Gardener coordinators (Extension faculty)
From: Gail Langellotto, (Professor of Horticulture, Statewide Coordinator, Extension Master Gardener Program)
Date: March 11, 2020, 12:41pm PST
Coordinators,
As you are aware, OSU and OSU Extension are actively engaged in continuity planning as we prepare for a localized outbreak of COVID-19 in the university community and communities we serve.
Thank you for your efforts during this rapidly changing situation, and for the care and compassion you are showing for each other and your program participants.
Given that older adults are both a vulnerable population and an abundant group in the Master Gardener Program, we are recommending that local Master Gardener coordinators carefully consider available options for completing the 2020 Master Gardener training season.
We are developing additional guidance for large events such as conferences and plant sales, and ongoing volunteer activities such as plant clinics.
Here are four three options to consider.
Option 1: Continue with classes, but observe recommended practices for personal wellness and minimizing spread of illness.
****This option was removed as a possibility on March 12, 2020, when updated guidance for OSU Extension Master Gardener Programs was issued.**** Note that the recommended practices for personal wellness and minimizing the spread of illness is still recommened, for personal use.
These include:
- No mandatory attendance: Do not penalize students who opt not to attend classes, provide options for making up missed work.
- Stay home if sick: Speakers, employees, volunteers, or students who are sick or have a household member who is sick should stay home.
- Observe social distancing: Seat students so they are not apt to touch each other or touch a shared desk space. Remind students to refrain from shaking hands, hugging, or otherwise touching other class members. If your meeting space is limited and you cannot meet this requirement, it might be better to consider a different option for completing classes.
- Practice frequent handwashing: Build handwashing breaks into the training day. Have hand sanitizers on hand.
- NO shared food or potlucks: Temporarily halt the tradition of shared food or potlucks for meals or snacks. Ask students to bring their own food and drinks. Do not share food or food utensils.
- Use Approved Environmental Cleaners for Classroom Surfaces. Take care to reduce environmental exposure to these cleaners.
Option 2: Postpone and reschedule classes (i.e., after the state of emergency has passed or has been revoked). The ability to do this may depend on whether or not you will have access to the training site at a later date, and if students and instructors can accommodate a schedule change.
Option 3: Consider using the online modules to complete your 2020 training schedule.
Option 4: If you have met the minimum national and state standards for Master Gardener trainings, you can suspend classes for 2020. If you have questions about the standards, please contact me.
Keep in mind that decisions may differ among coordinators depending on local circumstances. Extension decisions made locally should be coordinated through supervisors and leadership at the appropriate level. Please contact your regional director and me with any questions or concerns.
No matter which options you chose, please prioritize your personal health and wellness. Take the time to regularly review updates from the CDC and OHA websites, as well as OSU’s COVID-19 webpage.
Thank you,
Gail
