COVID-19 and Extension Resources

On Sunday, March 15th, in the evening the University of Madison and the Division of Extension cancelled all in-person meetings. Please cancel all 4-H club, 4-H Project, & 4-H activity, and Master Gardener Assocation meetings immediately and until futher notice. This also includes meetings that are co-sponsored by Extension. We know that this will stay in effect until at least April 10, though it may be longer. We will continue to share updates as they become available. While we are aware that these measures may be disappointing, we have a responsibility to do our part in slowing the potential spread of this virus.

Meetings are able to take part by Zoom video conferencing. If this would be an option for you to try, please contact Extension Crawford County to explore options with your local educators by calling 608-326-0223, for assitance or email the educator you are working with directly.

4-H Youth Devleopment Agent, Amy Mitchell, amy.mitchell@wisc.edu
Human Development & Relationships Educator, Amanda Griswold at amanda.griswold@wisc.edu
Community Development Educator, Jessica Jane Spayde at spayde@wisc.edu
FoodWIse Educator, Kathy Lange at kathy.lange@wisc.edu

RESOURCES

EXTENSION RESPONDS TO COVID-19 

During the coronavirus pandemic, Extension employees are working remotely and are continuing to provide resources for families, farms, businesses and communities

Home Alone – Preparing Children for Self Care!  These videos are developed for parents and their children who are stay home alone.  Parents and children are encouraged to watch the videos together and use the short activities after each video to discuss their plans to stay safe home alone. https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/homealone/

Financial ResourcesManaging Finances in Tough Times

Create a budget to get a handle on your monthly income and expenses at fyi.extension.wisc.edu/toughtimes/

Food SafetyFood Safety in the Time of COVID19

Food Options – There are several websites for parents and children to guide you as you plan meals and snacks that can stretch your budget.  Eating a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups can contribute to your family’s well-being.

Entrepreneur Program “CO.STARTERS” is starting March 31 

Want to stay safe at home but still learn how to turn your business idea into a business reality? We’re offering the national renowned CO.STARTERS entrepreneur program this spring in Crawford County. It’s a 9-week program, meeting once a week, every Tuesday from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, via videoconference! Please contact Community Development Educator Jessica Spayde for more info. Spayde@wisc.edu, 608-326-0223.

Need Help Transferring to Online Meetings? 

If your organization is new to online meetings and needs support, please contact Community Development Educator Jessica Spayde to discuss how to set up an online meeting. She can even help you facilitate your first online meeting! Spayde@wisc.edu, 608-326-0223.

General COVID-19 guidance:

  • Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
  • Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content and have it available for all participants.
  • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve/elbow.
  • Avoid direct contact such as shaking hands, embracing individuals, or putting yourself or others in close contact with one another.
  • Between events be sure to use Clorox wipes or something similar to wipe down furniture, doorknobs, tables, chairs, and any other spaces that may retain the COVID-19 virus.
  • Provide significant spacing (at least 6 feet) between participants and presenters – if you have lines of individuals consider putting tape on the floor to delineate individual spaces

PLEASE CANCEL YOUR IN-PERSON MEETING OR MOVE IT ONLINE. If you MUST meet, follow these precautions to keep yourself and others safe:

  • Social distancing: 
    • Maintain 6 feet of distance from others at all times. Avoid crowds.
    • Place chairs no closer than 6 feet apart from one another.
    • Avoid touching – no handshakes or high-fives.
  • Avoid Passing items: 
    • Sanitize any items that will be touched by others (markers, pens, etc). Sanitize in between touches.
    • Avoid passing papers. Instead, have one person wash his/her hands, then lay papers on the tables before people arrive.
  • Self Sanitizing: 
    • Utilize frequent hand washing.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, face, and mouth.
    • Always cover your mouth to cough or sneeze. Better yet, avoid public places if you are coughing or sneezing.
  • Surface Sanitizing: Before and after a meeting, wipe all surfaces with a sanitizing agent.

Air Sanitation: Allow air to recirculate in between meetings to help reduce airborne transmission.

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