Special Message
Health & Safety Plan - Winter 2021-2022
General Health & Safety plans & POLICIES
These policies apply to everyone entering The Baum School of Art.
Masks and Personal Protective Equipment
In The Baum School of Art, masks are required at all times, regardless of vaccination status.
Masks should not be worn by:
• Children under the age of 2 years• A person with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).
• A person for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by the relevant workplace safety guidelines or federal regulations.
Feasibility and Adaptations
CDC recognizes that wearing masks may not be possible in every situation or for some people. In some situations, wearing a mask may exacerbate a physical or mental health condition, lead to a medical emergency, or introduce significant safety concerns. Adaptations and alternatives should be considered whenever possible to increase the feasibility of wearing a mask or to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading if it is not possible to wear one. See the CDC’s website for further guidance: Cloth Face Cover Guidance
Masks with Exhalation Valves or Vents
The purpose of masks is to keep respiratory droplets from reaching others to aid with source control. However, masks with one-way valves or vents allow air to be exhaled through a hole in the material, which can result in expelled respiratory droplets that can reach others. This type of mask does not prevent the person wearing the mask from transmitting COVID-19 to others. Therefore, CDC does not recommend using masks for source control if they have an exhalation valve or vent.
Face Shields
CDC does not recommend using face shields or goggles as a substitute for masks. Goggles or other eye protection may be used in addition to a mask. However, wearing a mask may not be feasible in every situation for some people for example, people who are deaf or hard of hearing—or those who care for or interact with a person who is hearing impaired.
Socially Distanced Classroom Design
Limited maximum class sizes ensure that safe social/physical distancing can be achieved within each classroom space. Furniture and equipment within the classrooms have been placed to ensure appropriate social/physical distance between students. All classrooms have lockers and/or bins for personal belongings. Workstations will be arranged so that students do not face one another. Signage throughout the building will help guide students to remain socially distanced throughout their experience.
Cleaning and Sanitization
High-touch areas, public areas, and bathrooms will be cleaned and disinfected multiple times throughout the day. Classrooms will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each class, and during class as needed. We use cleaning products that meet EPA disinfectant criteria as recommended by the CDC. Adult students may be required to disinfect any shared work equipment or tools after use during class.
Healthy Hygiene Habits
Staff and students will be instructed on proper cough/sneeze hygiene and handwashing techniques. Our classrooms are equipped with sinks, soap and water, as well as sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol throughout the facility. All students and staff must wash their hands or sanitize upon entry and exit of classroom, for restroom breaks, and as needed throughout the class.
Visitors and Guests
Visitors and guests are welcome, however, all must adhere to universal masking and social distance protocols. Visitors and guests experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 should not enter the building.
Illness policies and Procedures
Employees and students who are sick, or have recently had a close contact with a person with COVID-19, should stay home and monitor health. Employees and campers should stay home if they have tested positive for, or are showing COVID-19 symptoms.
Anyone displaying symptoms of a communicable disease may not remain in class.
For children and teen students, the student will be isolated from the rest of the children in the designated supervised isolation space. Parents will be contacted to pick up the student and the child will be unable to attend class until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication. Students who become sick during the session are asked to self-report symptoms to school administrators, so that appropriate illness procedures may be implemented.
SYMPTOMS
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
• Fever or chills• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. See CDC’s website for additions or updates to this list.
ILLNESS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Tell your close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting 48 hours (or 2 days) before the person has any symptoms or tests positive. By letting your close contacts know they may have been exposed to COVID-19, you are helping to protect everyone.
If employees or students become sick with COVID-19 symptoms., test positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with symptoms or a confirmed or suspected case, they must not come to camp and need to notify the designated COVID-19 point of contacts below by phone (610.433.0032) and email:
Primary Contact - Laurie Siegfried, Director of Operations and Marketinglaurie@baumschool.org
Secondary Contact - Shannon Fugate, Executive Directorshannon@baumschool.org
CLASSROOM PLAN FOR INSTRUCTOR OR STUDENT EXHIBITING ILLNESS AND/OR POSSIBLE CASE OF COVID-19
A youth student will be isolated from the rest of the children in the designated isolation space and parent/guardian will be contacted to come pick up the child. An adult student will be required to leave the building. All the supplies, and the areas/classroom the student was in contact with, will be sanitized. If necessary, students will be relocated to another classroom until the space is safe to re-enter.
CLASSROOM PLAN FOR A POSITIVE COVID-19 CASE
All the supplies, and the areas/classroom the student was in contact with will be sanitized. In the event that an instructor or student tests positive for COVID-19, in accordance with state and local laws and regulations, camp administrators will notify local health officials, staff, and families immediately of any case of COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Families of other students in the class will be notified of the confirmed case via email and phone call.
Students who are registered for an in-person camp and need to follow quarantine safety guidelines will be given access to virtual instruction or a credit for future camp, if possible.
QUARANTINE?
Quarantine is a strategy used to prevent transmission of COVID-19 by keeping people who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 apart from others.
Definitions
• Exposure - Contact with someone infected COVID-19, in a way that increases the likelihood of getting infected with the virus.• Close Contact - Someone who was less than 6 feet away from an infected person (laboratory-confirmed or a clinical diagnosis) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes).
WHO DOES NOT NEED TO QUARANTINE
If you came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 and you are in one of the following groups, you do not need to quarantine.
• You are ages 18 or older and have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people.• You are ages 5-17 years and completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.
• You had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test).
You should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of your last close contact with someone with COVID-19 (the date of last close contact is considered day 0). Get tested at least 5 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. If you test positive or develop COVID-19 symptoms, isolate from other people and follow recommendations in the Isolation section below. If you tested positive for COVID-19 with a viral test within the previous 90 days and subsequently recovered and remain without COVID-19 symptoms, you do not need to quarantine or get tested after close contact. You should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of your last close contact with someone with COVID-19 (the date of last close contact is considered day 0).
WHO SHOULD QUARANTINE
If you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should quarantine if you are in one of the following groups:
• You are ages 18 or older and completed the primary series of recommended vaccine, but have not received a recommended booster shot when eligible.• You received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (completing the primary series) over 2 months ago and have not received a recommended booster shot.
• You are not vaccinated or have not completed a primary vaccine series.
WHAT TO DO FOR QUARANTINE
• Stay home and away from other people for at least 5 days (day 0 through day 5) after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19. The date of your exposure is considered day 0. Wear a well-fitting mask when around others at home, if possible.• For 10 days after your last close contact with someone with COVID-19, watch for fever (100.4◦F or greater), cough, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms.
• If you develop symptoms, get tested immediately and isolate until you receive your test results. If you test positive, follow isolation recommendations.
• If you do not develop symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19.
------- If you test negative, you can leave your home, but continue to wear a well-fitting mask when around others at home and in public until 10 days after your last close contact with someone with COVID-19.
------- If you test positive, you should isolate for at least 5 days from the date of your positive test (if you do not have symptoms). If you do develop COVID-19 symptoms, isolate for at least 5 days from the date your symptoms began (the date the symptoms started is day 0). Follow recommendations in the isolation section below.
------- If you are unable to get a test 5 days after last close contact with someone with COVID-19, you can leave your home after day 5 if you have been without COVID-19 symptoms throughout the 5-day period. Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days after your date of last close contact when around others at home and in public.
------- Avoid people who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease, and nursing homes and other high-risk settings, until after at least 10 days.
• If possible, stay away from people you live with, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, as well as others outside your home throughout the full 10 days after your last close contact with someone with COVID-19.
• If you are unable to wear a mask when around others, you should continue to quarantine for 10 days. Avoid people who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease, and nursing homes and other high-risk settings, until after at least 10 days.
• Do not travel during your 5-day quarantine period. Get tested at least 5 days after your last close contact and make sure your test result is negative and you remain without symptoms before traveling. If you don’t get tested, delay travel until 10 days after your last close contact with a person with COVID-19. If you must travel before the 10 days are completed, wear a well-fitting mask when you are around others for the entire duration of travel during the 10 days. If you are unable to wear a mask, you should not travel during the 10 days.
• Do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask, such as restaurants and gyms, and avoid eating around others at home and at work until after 10 days after your last close contact with someone with COVID-19.
AFTER QUARANTINE
• Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure.• If you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or healthcare provider.
You may be able to shorten your quarantine
Your local public health authorities make the final decisions about how long quarantine should last, based on local conditions and needs. Follow the recommendations of your local public health department if you need to quarantine. Options they will consider include stopping quarantine:
• After day 10 without testing• After day 7 after receiving a negative test result (test must occur on day 5 or later)
ISOLATION
Isolation is used to separate people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 from those without COVID-19. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. At home, anyone sick or infected should separate from others, or wear a well-fitting mask when they need to be around others. People in isolation should stay in a specific “sick room” or area and use a separate bathroom if available. Everyone who has presumed or confirmed COVID-19 should stay home and isolate from other people for at least 5 full days (day 0 is the first day of symptoms or the date of the day of the positive viral test for asymptomatic persons). They should wear a mask when around others at home and in public for an additional 5 days. People who are confirmed to have COVID-19 or are showing symptoms of COVID-19 need to isolate regardless of their vaccination status. This includes:
• People who have apositive viral test for COVID-19, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.• People with symptoms of COVID-19, including people who are awaiting test results or have not been tested.
• People with symptoms should isolate even if they do not know if they have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
WHAT TO DO FOR ISOLATION
• Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.• Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible.
• Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
• Take steps to improve ventilation at home, if possible.
• Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets.
• Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
• Wear a well-fitting mask when you need to be around other people.
Learn more about what to do if you are sick and how to notify your contacts.
ENDING ISOLATION FOR PEOPLE WHO HAD COVID-19 AND HAD SYMPTOMS
If you had COVID-19 and had symptoms, isolate for at least 5 days. To calculate your 5-day isolation period, day 0 is your first day of symptoms. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed. You can leave isolation after 5 full days.
• You can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved (Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation).• You should continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public for 5 additional days (day 6 through day 10) after the end of your 5-day isolation period. If you are unable to wear a mask when around others, you should continue to isolate for a full 10 days. Avoid people who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease, and nursing homes and other high-risk settings, until after at least 10 days.
• If you continue to have fever or your other symptoms have not improved after 5 days of isolation, you should wait to end your isolation until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. Continue to wear a well-fitting mask. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.
• Do not travel during your 5-day isolation period. After you end isolation, avoid travel until a full 10 days after your first day of symptoms. If you must travel on days 6-10, wear a well-fitting mask when you are around others for the entire duration of travel. If you are unable to wear a mask, you should not travel during the 10 days.
• Do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask, such as restaurants and gyms, and avoid eating around others at home and at work until a full 10 days after your first day of symptoms.
If an individual has access to a test and wants to test, the best approach is to use an antigen test* towards the end of the 5-day isolation period. Collect the test sample only if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved (loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation). If your test result is positive, you should continue to isolate until day 10. If your test result is negative, you can end isolation, but continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public until day 10. Follow additional recommendations for masking and restricting travel as described above.
*As noted in the labeling for authorized over-the counter antigen test: Negative results should be treated as presumptive. Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. To improve results, antigen tests should be used twice over a three-day period with at least 24 hours and no more than 48 hours between tests.
Note that these recommendations on ending isolation do not apply to people with severe COVID-19 or with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised). See section below for recommendations for when to end isolation for these groups.
ENDING ISOLATION FOR PEOPLE WHO TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 BUT HAD NO SYMPTOMS
If you test positive for COVID-19 and never develop symptoms, isolate for at least 5 days. Day 0 is the day of your positive viral test (based on the date you were tested) and day 1 is the first full day after the specimen was collected for your positive test. You can leave isolation after 5 full days.
• If you continue to have no symptoms, you can end isolation after at least 5 days. • You should continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public until day 10 (day 6 through day 10). If you are unable to wear a mask when around others, you should continue to isolate for 10 days. Avoid people who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease, and nursing homes and other high-risk settings, until after at least 10 days. • If you develop symptoms after testing positive, your 5-day isolation period should start over. Day 0 is your first day of symptoms. Follow the recommendations above for ending isolation for people who had COVID-19 and had symptoms. • Do not travel during your 5-day isolation period. After you end isolation, avoid travel until 10 days after the day of your positive test. If you must travel on days 6-10, wear a well-fitting mask when you are around others for the entire duration of travel. If you are unable to wear a mask, you should not travel during the 10 days after your positive test. • Do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask, such as restaurants and gyms, and avoid eating around others at home and at work until 10 days after the day of your positive test.If an individual has access to a test and wants to test, the best approach is to use an antigen test* towards the end of the 5-day isolation period. If your test result is positive, you should continue to isolate until day 10. If your test result is negative, you can end isolation, but continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public until day 10. Follow additional recommendations for masking and restricting travel described above.
*As noted in the labeling for authorized over-the counter antigen test: Negative results should be treated as presumptive. Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. To improve results, antigen tests should be used twice over a three-day period with at least 24 hours and no more than 48 hours between tests.
ENDING ISOLATION FOR PEOPLE WHO WERE SEVERELY ILL WITH COVID-19 OR HAVE A WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM (IMMUNOCOMPROMISED)
People who are severely ill with COVID-19 (including those who were hospitalized or required intensive care or ventilation support) and people with compromised immune systems might need to isolate at home longer. They may also require testing with a viral test to determine when they can be around others. CDC recommends an isolation period of at least 10 and up to 20 days for people who were severely ill with COVID-19 and for people with weakened immune systems. Consult with your healthcare provider about when you can resume being around other people.
People who are immunocompromised should talk to their healthcare provider about the potential for reduced immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines and the need to continue to follow current prevention measures (including wearing a well-fitting mask, staying 6 feet apart from others they don’t live with, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces) to protect themselves against COVID-19 until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider. Close contacts of immunocompromised people – including household members – should also be encouraged to receive all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses to help protect these people.
Youth student policies
Youth Student Drop-off
Youth students should be escorted into the building by a masked parent/guardian and check in at the front desk. A Baum School staff member will complete a brief household symptom questionnaire and a contactless temperature check with an infrared no-touch forehead thermometer. Students can then be escorted to their classroom by their parent/guardian, provided their household is symptom free, they do not have a fever, and they are wearing a well-fitting mask. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4° or over, or a temperature over 99.9° after two checks, will not be permitted to remain in the building, and will be required to follow CDC guidelines for when it is safe to return.
Youth Student Pick-up
Upon arrival for pickup, parents/guardians/authorized pick-up individuals wearing well-fitting masks should pick up their student from the classroom. Please keep social distancing in mind as you are waiting for the class to dismiss.
Social/physical Distance for youth Students
The school will follow the CDC recommendation that schools maintain at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms, combined with indoor mask wearing to reduce transmission risk.
Supplies for youth Students
The Baum School of Art will provide art materials for youth students in an individual lidded bin for use during the class. Shared materials will be limited. Any materials that are shared will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after use.
Adult Student policies
Adult Student Check-In
Adult students do not need to check in upon entering the building. All adult students must be symptom free and properly wearing a mask. Please refer to the Illness Policies and Procedures if you are unsure of whether or not to come to class.
Social/physical Distance for adult Students
The school will follow the CDC recommendation that adults should adhere to the 6ft. social distance guidelines for people who do not live within the same household.
Supplies for youth Students
Adult students are responsible for bringing their own supplies, and taking them home at the end of each class. Shared materials and equipment will be limited. Any materials and equipment that are shared should be cleaned and disinfected by the student after use.
Staff and Faculty Policies
STAFF and faculty WELLNESS CHECKS
All staff and faculty will be required to wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff and faculty members will complete a self-screening for symptoms prior the start of their shift. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter the building, and will be required to follow CDC guidelines for when it is safe to return. All staff and faculty are required to follow the Illness Policies and Procedures outlined above.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Below is a list of sources used to create this document:
CDC Suggestions for Youth and Summer Camps
Guidance for Operating Youth and Summer Camps: Readiness and Planning Tool
Governor Wolf’s Summer Recreation, Camps and Pools Frequently Asked Questions
Considerations for Community Based Organizations
CDC Guidance on when to isolate or quarantine
CDC Guidance on when it is safe to return to camp/work
CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus
CDC Cleaning and Disinfection
Guidance for Wearing Masks
How to Safely Wear and Take Off a Cloth Face Covering
Social Distancing
Level of Community Transmission Table
Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Prevention
Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People
Updated Order of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health Requiring Universal Face Coverings
Information for Vaccinated Pennsylvanians
Local Health Authority–Allentown City Bureau of Health
245 N 6Th St, Allentown, PA 18102-4168
Phone: (610) 437-7760
