Guidelines for Volunteering During COVID-19

Share this information and information you have collected from the service agency with all members considering a volunteer opportunity. This will allow your members to make an informed decision regarding their participation.

Remember to be kind and understand that a service agency and/or a volunteer may have to cancel or adjust their plans at the last minute. Consult the CDC and your local health department for the latest guidelines.

Practice universal infection control precautions:

• Wash your hands before, during, and after volunteering for a minimum of 20 seconds
• If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid physical contact with others and maintain a social distance of 6 feet especially when interacting with general public through meal pickup and deliveries
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Clean high touch areas frequently including table top surfaces and door knobs/handles
• Use proper Personal Protective Equipment for the task

Call ahead to the service agency:

• Ask if any additional safety precautions should be taken before, during and after the shift
• Inquire about their set-up; ask how many can safely volunteer at one time
• Ask about any risk that may be associated with the task and do not take part if you are uncomfortable with the level of risk
• Allow extra time for additional screening from volunteer organizations to make sure you are cleared to volunteer for the task
• Ask if there is any way to support them by volunteering individually for members who may feel unsafe volunteering at the service agency

Consult with your public health partners and adhere to local and state guidelines.

Do not attempt to volunteer if you have:

• Experienced symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• Been around anyone who has COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• Traveled to any foreign country in the last 14 days
• Been on a cruise or been in an airport in the last 14 days
• Been to an event where more than 50 people were in attendance in the last 14 days
• Live with or are in frequent contact with people in the higher-risk categories for the virus

If you are hosting your own volunteer activity:

• Clean and sanitize gathering spaces regularly
• Properly dispose of cleaning materials and any contaminated materials
• Do not compete in the market for scarce supplies that healthcare organizations and providers need every day to perform their duties
• Keep six feet between all people
• Provide sufficient and accessible infection control supplies (e.g. hand-hygiene products, tissues, Clorox wipes, and receptacles for their disposal) in all locations
• Make sure you have proper Personal Protection Equipment available and train volunteers on proper use before allowing them to do any tasks
• Screen all volunteers and attendees before they participate; it’s highly recommended to do temperature checks as volunteers come in for a shift, especially if handling food
• When in doubt, use the CDC and your Department of Public Health for recommendations

If you are distributing or delivering meals:

• For people receiving meals from a distribution point, if a line forms use chalk or tape on the ground that reminds people to keep 6 feet apart
• For people who are giving meals, they also need to find a way to maintain at least 6 feet if possible, use gloves, and wash hands frequently
• With deliveries, setting meals or supplies on the doorstep and waving and holding conversation from that safe distance to protect the seniors and homebound vulnerable folks is important