COVID-19: Group walks, gatherings & protest (7.1.20)

GirlTrek is closely monitoring Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact.

We have made a number of modifications to the GirlTrek way of life to remain safe, sane and healthy during this global crisis. We have suspended group walks, asked you not to gather and have encouraged everyone to walk solo because we do know that fresh air and sunshine are essential during these uncertain times – healing even.

It’s been a twisty last few months. We’ve watched the country explode with rage and take action as the pandemic and violent racism collide.

The Coronavirus is deadly. The disproportionate hospitalization and death rate of Black people from COVID-19 is no coincidence. It is directly related to the history of racial oppression in this nation. And we don’t want to sit on the sidelines as our sisteren and brotheren die of COVID-19, preventable illnesses or police brutality.

Protests over the police murder of George Floyd have pushed to the forefront a particular fact long known: Racism kills, and it may be the main cause of health disparities between white and Black people.

As we experience this current sociopolitical moment in history, GirlTrek recognizes that our community wants to be out there in the streets at the marches, at the protests letting it be known where we stand and what we believe in. Say their names: Breyonna Taylor. George Floyd. Rashard Brooks. Ahmaud Arbery.

We walk to heal our minds, bodies and to reclaim the streets of our communities. We walk to protest racism, police brutality and white supremacy.

Our activism is in the streets. It’s out there walking for what you believe in. We’ve heard you.

You have a choice to make and we respect your choice.

If you choose to attend marches and protests, mask up. Bring your hand sanitizer and physically-distance as much as possible.

The GirlTrek superhero blue is wherever you are and that’s the frontlines.

How to stay safe as you protest and march:

• Stay home if you feel sick.
• Wear a mask securely over your nose and mouth.
• Physical distance as much as possible.
• Carry hand sanitizer.
• Change your clothes and wash your hands when you return home.
• Keep calm and use common sense and the wisdom our grandmothers and foremothers have instilled in us.

As this situation evolves, GirlTrek may implement additional measures. We are closely monitoring real-time developments from the Center of Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) in order to address any issues that may arise.

 TALKING POINTS: GIRLTREK + CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

• GirlTrek is inspired by Black women throughout history who left us a blueprint for survival.
• The common-sense, sage advice, and regular ritual of Black grandmas everywhere has become the number one weapon in a war against a pandemic: Wash your hands and cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough.
• Wear a covering over your nose and mouth when in public.
• While physical distancing is required to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, in light of what we know to be true, social distancing doesn’t have to mean physical inactivity nor lack of social connection.
• These are stressful times and walking not only improves physical health but also relieves stress.
• We are still walking by prioritizing solo treks.
• We don’t advise group walks at this time. If you choose to walk with trusted friends or family, we recommend keeping the group sizes to 10 or less;
• We are closely monitoring the everchanging Coronavirus public health crisis and will continue to adjust the GirlTrek schedule to prioritize public wellbeing.
• We need everyone’s help to protect the wellbeing of all of our communities by staying home and not attending GirlTrek walks if feeling sick.
• If you are contacted by the press to participate in a story about GirlTrek and social distancing or GirlTrek’s response to the Coronavirus, before giving an interview, please immediately contact Kenniqua Howell at [e-mail]. 
• Take breaks from the news, including social media.
• Please refer to the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) including symptoms and steps you can take to prevent the spread of the illness

  Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns on the GirlTrek Hotline:  855.GRL.TREK.

  Have more questions? Email our Community Care Team at [e-mail]