Updated June 1, 2020

The well-being of our volunteers and our community is very important to us.

Like you, Hands On Thomas County, and our partners, are closely monitoring the coronavirus and following the information and recommendations being released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). During this time, we ask that you follow the recommended safety and health practices, and respect those of our partners. Please understand, that events, projects, and activities may be limited, cancelled or rescheduled as a result. Also, check out our ideas for virtual and alternative ways to volunteer.

Please do not volunteer if you are feeling sick. If you are not feeling well, have a fever, or visible signs of illness, please stay home to rest and recover.

If you have been in close contact with a person who may be at risk to have COVID-19 and have been advised to quarantine out of caution, we ask that you please not attend volunteer events.  If you attend a volunteer project and later learn you may have been exposed, please notify HOTC and the partner agency so we can assist with communication to other partners and volunteers.  

If you need to cancel a volunteer shift for any reason, please contact HOTC and the non-profit agency for which you are volunteering.

At this time, only solo and small group (under 20 people) is advised. This is subject to change.

When you are volunteering, please:

• Wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer, both before and after your volunteer shift.
• Cover any cough or sneeze using a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
• Use an elbow or foot tap for greetings. Or just wave and smile!
• If you have returned from traveling overseas since February 2020, please refrain from volunteering for at least 14 days while you monitor your health.
• Some groups are more likely to get very sick from this illness. Vulnerable groups include people 60 years of age or older and those with certain health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease and weakened immune systems. If this describes you, please do not risk exposure, even if you are feeling well.
• Consider where you are volunteering. If your volunteer activity or the non-profit serves a vulnerable group, please check with the non-profit beforehand.

We will do our best to keep you advised of any additional restrictions from our non-profit partners, and to notify you of any upcoming volunteer project or event cancellations. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you!