On Tuesday, the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York — which represents almost 8,500 Girl Scouts in 15 counties including Albany — suspended or delayed all activities through Sunday, April 19.

All council service centers and offices are closed to the public and staff is working remotely. Staff members are available for support; simply call the phone line at 518-489-8110.

The start of the second half of the 2020 Cookie Program that begins with the distribution of initial order cookies will be delayed at least four weeks. “We fully intend to complete this year’s Cookie Program and will provide needed support to troops,” said GSNENY chief executive officer, Mary Buszuwski.

In addition, all in-person, council-supported events, activities, training, and mobile programming are cancelled through April 19. GSNENY service units and troops have been directed to suspend all in-person gatherings, meetings, and events until April 19 as well. Leaders are being encouraged to use webinars, teleconferences, and other technologies to engage girls and adults.

This timeline will be continuously evaluated and, based on prevailing conditions in the community and government directives, may be modified as needed.

“The fast-changing landscape resulting from COVID-19 will continue to impact our typical way of operating and the way we do Girl Scouting,” said Buszuwski in a release from her organization, “but I’m confident we can adjust, innovate, and do our part to help our communities.”