February 19, 2020 - 4:16pm -- Anonymous

UPDATE (6-29-20)

RE: Important 4-H Updates Regarding COVID-19

Dear 4-H Families, Volunteers and Supporters,

I know we’ve all been anxiously awaiting the upcoming July 6th date to resume activities.  We’re happy to share we’ve received approval from Ohio State University leadership to resume in-person 4-H club meetings and activities starting immediately. This is welcome news for our 3,039 Ohio 4-H clubs across the state. Ohio 4-H clubs that choose to begin meeting in-person must follow the guidelines listed below to promote the health and safety of our 4-H community, as we face the challenge of COVID-19.  However there are still important guidelines that must be followed and considerations as we plan to resume in-person activities.

Clubs choosing to meet in-person should provide virtual connection options for members who have that preference. Please note that in-person 4-H club meetings, activities and other events may be suspended at any time if local, state, federal, and/or university authorities issue new restrictions. 4-H meetings and activities can only be held in person if Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events guidelines can be followed.

The Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events guidelines provide expectations for all members, volunteers, and their families while participating in 4-H club meetings and activities. County and Independent Fairs work closely with Ohio 4-H / The Ohio State University, but are separate entities and follow different guidance. When 4-H members and volunteers participate in Junior Fair animal activities, they follow guidance from these local partners, as Ag Societies have the responsibility for the Junior Fair. 4-H non-livestock project judging that takes place during the fair is conducted by OSU Extension and must follow Ohio
4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events
guidance.

The Jackson OSU Extension office will be open to the public during office hours by appointment only beginning Monday, July 6th. We will continue to send information to you via email, Facebook, our website at jackson.osu.edu You will also find the guidelines, a tip sheet and resources at ohio4h.org/families/stay-connected. A copy of these items will be placed in club mailboxes at the office on Monday, July 6th.  Please call ahead to set up a time to pick up or arrange for materials to be left outside the office for pickup. Ohio 4-H teen leaders are developing video tutorials to assist educating club members on the in-person meeting expectations and will share those as they are available. When possible, we encourage OSU Extension programs, meetings, and events to meet virtually.

Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-person Meetings & Events

As we return to in-person 4-H activities, the following principles will be used:

  • The health and safety of the 4-H community is our priority.
  • Transparency is essential – clear expectations must be communicated in a timely manner.
  • Be flexible – continue to provide options, including virtual ones, for participation to provide 4-H members and families with a safe environment given their individual circumstances, while maintaining inclusivity and flexibility for all.

We know concerns about the spread of COVID-19 have changed how people interact with one other. Because of this, those who organize meetings and events have a responsibility to consider the health and safety of attendees. This document provides guidance for how to lead and conduct OSU Extension / 4-H meetings and events.

General Considerations
As you restart in-person 4-H activities, the following considerations will assist with your planning.

  • Time
    • Consider limiting the length of meetings and events, particularly those that take place indoors, and the length of time people will be in contact with one another. Sustained contact provides an increased opportunity for virus transmission.
  • Place
    • Consider the guidance from your local county health department regarding locations where you meet, as well as where attendees may be coming from.
  • People
    • Consider the overall number of attendees and whether this includes individuals (including other individuals in their home) who may be at a higher risk of serious illness if they develop COVID-19. The CDC cautions that gatherings with more than 250 people have a higher risk of coronavirus transmission and the state of Ohio has place limitations on the size of gatherings.
  • Space
    • Consider hosting meetings and activities outdoors when possible. Continue to offer options for virtual engagement when individuals request it.
    • Consider the types of interactions that occur at the event and if contact between attendees can be limited.
    • Maintain six feet of distancing between individuals whenever feasible.
    • Masks are an effective means of preventing transmission from people who feel fine, but are not showing symptoms and have the ability to infect others.

Meeting Planning
Meeting Notices
In advance of meetings, it is important to send notices to parents and members outlining expectations for participation. The notice should include the following information:

  • State that members and/or family members cannot attend the meeting if they or anyone living their household is experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
  • Provide an option for members to participate virtually.
  • Note that physical distancing will be practiced by maintaining a six-foot distance between people.
  • We expect face masks will be properly worn during the 4-H meeting.
  • Encourage participants to bring their own snacks and drinks for the meeting.

Attendance
Take attendance at the meeting or event by checking off names on a roster. Do not pass around a paper for individuals to sign or have members sign-in. This attendance record must be kept in case someone attending the meeting/event contracts COVID-19 and information is needed for contact tracing. Attendance records must be kept for at least six months beyond the date of the meeting/event.

Quarantine and Isolation
Any individual (e.g., member, club leader) who develops symptoms of COVID-19, must immediately isolate, seek medical care, and take the following steps:

  • Contact the local health department about suspected cases or exposures.
    • Work with local health department to identify potentially infected or exposed individuals to help facilitate effective contact tracing.
  • Attend 4-H club activities virtually.
  • Notify your county OSU Extension professional, who will notify the State 4-H Office.
    • County office will notify club members and families per standard protocol for notification of communicable diseases.
    • If the individual who developed symptoms attended a club meeting or activity, the club should stop all in-person club activities for 14 days following the exposure, meet only virtually, and notify club members to monitor for symptoms.
    • The State 4-H Office will follow university reporting and contact tracing protocols.

Any individual (e.g., member, club leader) who learns they have been exposed to an individual (e.g., family member, friend) with COVID-19, must immediately quarantine for 14 days and:

  • Attend 4-H club activities virtually while in quarantine.
  • Notify your county OSU Extension professional, who will notify the State 4-H Office.
    • County office will notify club members and families per standard protocol for notification of communicable diseases.  
    • The State 4-H Office will follow university reporting protocols.

Physical Space Design
Plan ahead. There are many factors to consider regarding the need for six-foot physical distancing and the number of people a gathering space can accommodate. Consider the following when choosing meeting/event spaces:

  • Can the event take place outside? Open air appears to reduce the risk of spreading airborne illness.
  • What is the normal maximum occupancy of the space?
    • To provide six feet of physical distance between individuals, the occupancy of meeting spaces must be decreased by half. For example, a space with a posted maximum occupancy of 100 people would need to be adjusted to a maximum of 50 people.
    • If you need to estimate the capacity of a space, allow 30 square feet per person.
  • Is there access to a clean restroom for participants, including soap and water for washing hands?
  • Set up tables and chairs to provide six-feet physical distancing. Moving chairs is discouraged.
    • If seating is fixed, mark those seats that are off limits (e.g., use tape to indicate “don’t sit here” spaces in grandstand seating).
  • Modified layouts can help attendees keep their distance from others.

Educational Materials
Provide participants with their own copies of educational materials. If you plan to use an activity that requires passing an item around, you should revise the activity. For example, the item should be big enough to be viewed from a distance, or a sample or picture needs to be available for each participant.

Food and Drinks at Meetings
Encourage each attendee to bring their own drinks and snacks instead of providing shared options at meetings. Potlucks and buffets are highly discouraged.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Face Masks
Face masks are expected to be worn at all 4-H in-person meetings and events. Face masks refer to disposable procedure masks or cloth face coverings, not surgical or N-95 respirators. They should fit snuggly around the mouth and nose and be worn appropriately to be effective. Remember – it is possible to have COVID-19, not exhibit any symptoms and transmit the virus to others.  Wearing a face mask is a measure to protect others.

Face masks are required at the following events: individual interviews, skill-a-thon, and other judging events that may accidentally result in less than 6-foot social distancing space.

Cloth Face Covering Patterns
There are many ways in which you can make a cloth face covering. The CDC offers several different options to make a cloth mask including a sewn mask, a quick-cut t-shirt mask, and a bandana cloth face covering. These patterns can be found at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-make-cloth-face-covering.html

Sanitizing Stations and Schedules
All entrance/exit door handles for the meeting location and the doors handles of any accessible restrooms and any other high-touch surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected with an EPA-registered cleaner-disinfectant before and after the meeting.

All tables and chairs should be cleaned and disinfected before and after use. Before and after will be defined by the meeting or event:

  • Meetings: if you have a two-hour meeting and individuals sit at the same table and chair for the duration, “before” is prior to the start of the meeting, “after” is the conclusion of the meeting.
  • Events: if you have scheduled times for youth to participate in an interview, skill-a-thon, or judging event, then tables, chairs, and equipment should be sanitized before the event, after use by each individual, and after the conclusion of the event.

If you are unable to find an EPA-registered cleaner-disinfectant, the following bleach solutions may be used:

  • 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water OR
  • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Additional tips for cleaning and disinfecting tables and chairs include:

  • Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection and
    confirm the product is not past its expiration date.
    • Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing or for whitening, may not be suitable for disinfection.
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation.
  • Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
  • Wear disposable gloves when handling bleach solutions.
    • Use nitrile gloves rather than latex, since some people have a latex allergy.
  • Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute.
  • Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
  • Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used.

Practice Good Hygiene

  • Wash your hands often, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.
  • Avoid touching your face or others in attendance.
  • Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
  • Provide tissues and make sure there is a wastebasket to dispose of used tissues.
  • Provide hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol at a registration table or at a table near the entrance of the meeting room.

Monitor Your Health

  • Be alert for symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath.
  • Do not attend in-person activities if you or anyone living in your household is experiencing symptoms associated with the COVID-19 or any other communicable illness.
  • Follow CDC/ODH guidance if symptoms develop.
  • Refer to the Quarantine and Isolation instructions on pp. 2-3.

Signage
All in-person 4-H meetings and events are required to have the following signs posted. This is to provide clear communication and transparency regarding the measures 4-H is recommending to promote the safety of the community.  Printed copies of signs are available at the Extension Office and can be picked up by appointment.

Sign

Post Location

Available at

4-H Event Guidelines

Entry and Exit doors
Registration tables
Throughout the space, if feasible

ohio4h.org/families/
stay-connected

Sanitizing Stations

At each activity/judging station

Hand Washing Poster

Entry to restrooms
Above restroom sinks

Watch Your Step! Poster and Where to Stand Templates

Entry and Exit doors
Registration tables
Throughout the space if feasible

How COVID-19 Spreads

Entry and Exit Doors

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these changing times. 
The best way to reach us is via email at dailey.108@osu.edu or through my direct office line at 740-688-5026.

Visit our website at jackson.osu.edu for current updates and visit our Facebook Page at facebook.com/jacksoncoextension

We will do our best to keep you updated as quickly as we can.

Best Wishes….

Erin 

Erin Dailey
OSU Extension, Jackson County
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

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UPDATE (4-7-20)

RE: Recent 4-H Updates Regarding COVID-19

Dear 4-H Families, Volunteers and Supporters,

We received a difficult update (below) from Ohio 4-H just before 4 p.m. today.  While this news is not what we planned and hoped for, we are resilient and will continue to find ways to offer positive youth development to our members.

I know there will be many questions.  As Kirk points out in the note below, the decision concerning fair will NOT be made by Extension.  We will continue to prepare to lead junior fair if we are given that opportunity.  We will regroup on events such as General Project Judging, Quality Assurance, tag in and other fair related events that would fall before the July 6 date and provide information as soon as there is a new plan in place.

As a 4-H Educator, I am determined to find ways to offer great, virtual or self-instructed programming.  The best assets we have in Jackson County are our youth.  We will continue to teach them, challenge them and celebrate them.

As a 4-H parent, I know how difficult this is. My own kids will be missing camp, pre-fair judging, meeting with their friends and so much more, but we will continue to care for our livestock, work on non-livestock projects, explore learning opportunities outdoors and online and make the best of this difficult situation.  The value of 4-H does not cease to exist because of the virus. 

Although in-person programming is cancelled, we will continue to offer virtual 4-H experiences. This is heartbreaking for us & just adds to the continued disappointment of so many lost opportunities, but we will get through this.  We know it will not be the same, but we plan to offer a modified weekend 4-H Camping experience for our kids as soon as we can, we will be making plans for virtual general project judging, online tag-ins & other adjustments as necessary

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these changing times. 

The best way to reach us is via email at dailey.108@osu.edu or through my direct office line at 740-688-5026.

Don’t forget that our 4-H enrollment deadline for this year has been extended to May 15, 2020.  Please continue to complete your enrollments at oh.4honline.com.  We realize that this may be an unusual year, but we will continue to make the best of it. 

Visit our website at jackson.osu.edu for current updates and visit our Facebook Page at facebook.com/jacksoncoextension

We appreciate everyone’s patience during these uncertain times. We will do our best to keep you updated as quickly as we can.

If you have questions, need resources or support, please feel free to reach out.  We are here to help.

Remember, we are in this together.

Thanks!
Erin

Erin Dailey
OSU Extension, Jackson County
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

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Dear 4-H members, families, volunteers and supporters,

It is with a heavy heart that I share this news with you. Due to ongoing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision has been made to cancel all Ohio State University Extension in-person programming through July 6. This includes all 4-H programs, activities, and events. Additionally, we’ve made the very difficult decision to cancel all 4-H camps thru August 31. Although in-person programming is cancelled, we will continue to offer virtual 4-H experiences. 

We know this is an incredible disappointment and recognize how much everyone looks forward to our cherished 4-H summer events. As 4-H professionals committed to providing positive youth development programming, we share your sense of loss.

Given available information, we anticipate the next few weeks and months will continue to be critical times for stemming the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It is our duty to keep ourselves and those we serve safe through the education we provide and the modeling of safety-conscious behaviors. We do not want to get to the other side of this pandemic and wish that we had done more to keep our future generation of leaders safe and healthy.

While we are making decisions regarding the youth events we organize and manage (such as camps and 4-H project judging), we are deferring to local decision-makers and Governor DeWine’s administration on the events owned by others, such as county fairs. Our decision to cancel in-person 4-H activities and events through July 6 and summer camps, should not automatically imply that local county fairs are also canceled at this time. Please keep in mind that 4-H and our FFA colleagues support the education and development of youth, but the decision about whether fairs will occur is in the hands of others. This continues to be an evolving situation that will require some negotiation and monitoring depending on decisions. We will be ready should fairs move forward and to pivot if they are cancelled.

As we work through the impact of these decisions for 4-H activities and events in the weeks ahead, county OSU Extension 4-H professionals will share important updates and information with you as we develop and provide new online opportunities. We know the experiences will be different than we had hoped, yet we remain committed to working together to grow future generations of true leaders.

Yours in service to 4-H,
Kirk

********************************************************************************************************************************************
UPDATE (3-27-20)

RE: Recent 4-H Updates Regarding COVID-19

Dear 4-H Families, Volunteers and Supporters,
Below, you will find an important update from our State 4-H Leader Kirk Bloir. 

To highlight the key points…

At this point, all 4-H activities, club meetings, events and programs must be held virtually or cancelled until May 15. The situation is dynamic and changes daily, so we will continue to monitor conditions and reevaluate as needed. This ban may need to extend beyond May 15. During this time of unprecedented health concerns, we will work together to keep you updated and informed.

For many of our families, virtual (or online) meetings may be difficult due to accessibility issues. We are continuing to explore options and will share solutions in the next few weeks. In the meantime, there are tip sheets for club leaders with options and ideas for holding virtual club meetings at go.osu.edu/4hadvisorinfo. Keep checking this site, because we will continue to add information to help you.

Please read the complete letter below for further information.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these changing times. Please be safe, stay home, wash your hands and enjoy some extra time with your loved ones. If you are one of the health care, food service, or other essential workers who are not getting that extra time at home, please accept our sincerest gratitude for helping keep the rest of us safe. We are thankful for all you are doing!

The best way to reach us is via email at dailey.108@osu.edu or through my direct office line at 740-688-5026.

Don’t forget that our 4-H enrollment deadline for this year has been extended to May 15, 2020.  We realize that this may be an unusual year, but we will continue to make the best of it. 

Visit our website at jackson.osu.edu for current updates and visit our Facebook Page at facebook.com/jacksoncoextension

Important updates coming next week regarding quality assurance other information. 

We appreciate everyone’s patience during these uncertain times. We will do our best to keep you updated as quickly as we can.

Best Wishes….

Erin

Erin Dailey
OSU Extension, Jackson County
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

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Dear 4-H Families, Volunteers and Supporters:

It’s hard to believe that just three weeks ago we were preparing to welcome 1200 volunteers and teens to the annual Ohio 4-H Youth Conference in Columbus. We know much has changed since that time for all of us, but what hasn’t changed is the commitment of Ohio’s 4-H professionals to the youth in their counties.

 I want to update you with information about how the 4-H program is moving forward during this global pandemic. One week ago, county OSU Extension offices temporarily closed to help reduce opportunities for the virus to continue to spread. 4-H professionals and their OSU Extension colleagues worked quickly to transition their materials and resources to be able to continue working from their homes. In just a few short days, they connected with you via email, began offering virtual meetings and regularly updated web sites and social media with current information and resources. I could not be prouder of their willingness to handle this challenge and seek ways in which to keep 4-H programming alive and well.

For many of our families, virtual (or online) meetings seem to be working well, however I recognize it doesn’t work for everyone due to accessibility issues in parts of the state. We are continuing to explore options and will share solutions in the next few weeks. In the meantime, there are tip sheets for club leaders with options and ideas for holding virtual club meetings at go.osu.edu/4hadvisorinfo. Keep checking this site, because we will continue to add information to help you.

We know the spread of coronavirus also presents great uncertainty about upcoming 4-H events—Will camps happen this summer? Will we be able to exhibit our projects at fairs? What about project judging? And the answer is that right now, we just don’t know. At this point, all 4-H activities, club meetings, events and programs must be held virtually or cancelled until May 15. The situation is dynamic and changes daily, so we will continue to monitor conditions and reevaluate as needed. This ban may need to extend beyond May 15. During this time of unprecedented health concerns, we will work together to keep you updated and informed.

We understand concerns that some fairs may not be able to take place this year due to the global pandemic health emergency. Any decision to cancel a local fair, festival, parade or other large group gatherings will be made by those authorized to protect the health and wellbeing of all Ohioans. 4-H members and their families should consider a number of factors as they make their decisions to purchase 4-H market livestock projects. Risks and rewards must be taken into account. For example, we encourage families to consider their overall available budget, space to care for livestock, availability of alternative markets, availability of local processing, family freezer space, and needs of local food pantries.

OSU Extension and 4-H will continue working together to support our 4-H members, families, volunteers and local partners, including senior fair boards, classroom teachers, and magistrates, as we navigate this health emergency. As Governor DeWine shared earlier this week, we are “in this together Ohio.” Thank you for your continued patience and perseverance.

Yours in service to 4-H,

Kirk Bloir
Assistant Director, OSU Extension 4-H Youth Development

****************************************************************************************************************************************************

UPDATE (3-13-20)
Dear 4-H Families, Volunteers and Supporters:

As you may be aware, The Ohio State University has announced the suspension of face-to-face instruction and the move to virtual instruction effective immediately through March 31. Events deemed nonessential are postponed between now and April 20, 2020.There will be evaluation whether they should continue in person beyond this time. Our primary concern is for the health and safety of all our people. Virtual meetings are encouraged.  We will be sending out information to club advisors about options for offering virtual meetings.

Based on these guidelines, all 4-H Clubs must postpone/cancel all face-to-face meetings between now and April 20th.

In addition to all 4-H club meetings, the following list of 4-H events qualify as non-essential between now and April 20. Based on these guidelines, these non-essential activities must be postponed/ cancelled/ or held virtually. Examples include (this list is not exhaustive and subject to change at any notice):

4-H club meetings
4-H committees, including 4-H Advisory Council Advisory, Horse Committee, Livestock Committee, Friends of 4-H,
Club kick-offs, open houses, etc.
Community service projects
Educational clinics
Events put on by advisory or county committees or clubs, including fundraisers
Fundraisers
Social events (egg hunts, square dances)
Teen leader groups (Junior Fairboard, Junior Leaders)

NOTE: Senior Fair Board will need to make the determination for fair-related events

One of the best ways to prevent the spread of viral illnesses is to minimize the circumstances in which individuals might interact and transmit the diseases. The safety of our community is our top priority. We realize that our COVID-19 policy guidelines will cause disruption, but the risk of not acting outweighs the inconvenience of these temporary measures. We will share updates as more information becomes available.

Please read through the following date changes and mark your calendar accordingly.

Important Schedule Changes:

  • Swine Exhibitor and Parent Meeting: Wed, March 18th, 6pm *Moved to a Virtual Meeting/Conference Call….Connection Info Coming Soon
  • Jackson County 4-H Enrollment Deadline: Extended to May 15th. All new and returning members must be enrolled by this date. (online enrollment link oh.4honline.com )
  • Quality Assurance Dates: Watch for updates coming next week on updated available dates and options

Other Important Dates:

  • Theme Contest Entries Due: April 1st to the Extension Office Drop Box or email to dailey.108@osu.edu  
  • Club Book Orders Due: April 15th (2nd orders can be placed if needed)  All Club Book Orders Must Paid for before ordering.
  • National Inspire Kids’ to Do Grant - due April 15th (https://4-h.org/about/blog/inspire-kids-to-do-inspiring-service/)
  • Queen Applications Due: April 23rd by 4:30 to the Extension Office (Grades 4-12)….No Late Applications Accepted (visit go.osu.edu/jacksonfair for applications and info on practices/workshops)
    • Mandatory Meeting for those trying out for queen contests: April 30th, 6pm at the Extension Office (Grades 4-12
  • Little Miss/Mister Applications Due: April 30th by 4:30 to the Extension Office (Grades K-3)….No Late Applications Accepted (visit go.osu.edu/jacksonfair for applications and info on practices/workshops)
  • 4-H Camp Scholarship forms - due May 1st (forms available at go.osu.edu/camplife) You can email or mail your forms to: dailey.108@osu.edu or drop in the drop box at the Extension Office
  • STEM Camp Registration Deadline: May 1st for grades 5-7 (forms available at go.osu.edu/2020STEMCAMP)
  • Spring Weigh-In: May 2nd, 8-11am (County Bred forms due at that time….available at go.osu.edu/jacksonfair
  • Spring Fling 4-H Camp: May 2nd-3rd for grades 3-6 (forms available soon at go.osu.edu/camplife)
  • Camp Open House: May 3rd, 12-4pm at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp
  • Chick Order Forms Due: May 17th (Postmarked by May 15th or dropped off at the Ext. Office with payment on these days ONLY: May 11th (5:30-9:30pm), May 14th (4:30-5:30pm) ….available at go.osu.edu/jacksonfair
  • Camp Registration Forms: Forms available at go.osu.edu/camplife
  • Breeding Animal Registration Forms Due: Last Monday in June (June 29th) to the Extension Office.  Forms available at go.osu.edu/jacksonfair
  • General Project Judging: Monday, June 29th….Still Projects (1-5pm), Foods (5:30-6:30pm), Clothing (7-8pm)


The best way to reach us is via email at dailey.108@osu.edu or through my direct office line at 740-688-5026.
Visit our website at jackson.osu.edu for current updates and visit our Facebook Page at facebook.com/jacksoncoextension

We appreciate everyone’s patience during these uncertain times. We will do our best to keep you updated as quickly as we can.

Best Wishes….
Erin

Erin Dailey
Ohio State University Extension, Jackson County
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

17 Standpipe Rd.
Jackson, OH 45640
740-688-5026 (Direct Office Line)
dailey.108@osu.edu

4-H is a community of young people...across America...learning citizenship, leadership and life skills. 

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