Resolution MW 011

Resolved, that Executive Council allocate up to $15,000 in additional funding to the 2023 budget for the Office of Youth Ministries to contract with a public health expert to advise the office and staff on protocol and procedures for Episcopal Youth Event (EYE), to be held July 2-8th, 2023 at the University of Maryland, College Park. The source to be determined by the Treasurer, if necessary. And be it further 

Resolved, that if the Department of Formation director discerns the need that resources such as masks, testing supplies, or other support are recommended or required, these funds may be used for such resources.  

While publicly the pandemic is “ending” we know that we need to be ready and prepared to respond if there is a Covid outbreak at the Episcopal Youth Event in July 2023. The public health concerns for this event are many and varied due to the number of people present in one space over a prolonged time.  EYE delegations have varied access to health insurance and financial resources should they become ill or have to quarantine in Baltimore for a period that extends beyond the Episcopal Youth Event. The University of Maryland also requires that people quarantine and possibly move off campus if they test positive for Covid. (As of 5/10/2023) The Office of Youth Ministry has asked for funding to consult with a public health expert to explore and monitor the Covid-related health concerns peculiar to this event and to advise them on best practices.