Special Message
Health & Safety Plan - Summer 2021
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 in all common areas. There are some instances where adult students may be permitted to remove their masks in the classroom. Please refer to the Adult Student Policies for further explanation. Currently, all youth students are required to wear masks at all times. Please refer to the Youth Student Policies for further explanation.
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. See the CDC’s website for more information on face shields:
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. Here are some considerations for individuals who must wear a face shield instead of a mask:Face Shield Information
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
Only registered students are permitted in the building during their class time. Parents, guardians, and other guests will not be permitted to wait inside the building for students. For all other purposes, visitors must have a scheduled appointment in order to 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.
WHO NEEDS TO QUARANTINE?
People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19—excluding people who have had COVID-19 within the past 3 months or who are fully vaccinated.
• People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered do not have to quarantine or get tested again as long as they do not develop new symptoms.• People who develop symptoms again within 3 months of their first bout of COVID-19 may need to be tested again if there is no other cause identified for their symptoms.
• People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated. against the disease and show no symptoms.
What counts as close contact?
• You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more• You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
• You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)
• You shared eating or drinking utensils
• They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
Steps to take: Stay home and monitor your health
• Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.• Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19
• If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19
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
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
The student will be isolated from the rest of the children in the designated isolation space and parent/guardian will be contacted. 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.
WHEN TO RETURN TO WORK OR CLASS
Employees and students should follow CDC’s criteria of when they should return to work or school:
WHEN YOU CAN BE AROUND OTHERS AFTER YOU HAD OR LIKELY HAD COVID-19
If you have or think you might have COVID-19, it is important to stay home and away from other people. Staying away from others helps stop the spread of COVID-19. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get emergency medical care immediately. When you can be around others (end home isolation) depends on different factors for different situations.
I think or know I had COVID-19, and I had symptoms. You can be with others after:
• 10 days since symptoms first appeared and• 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
• Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving*
*Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation Most people do not require testing to decide when they can be around others; however, if your healthcare provider recommends testing, they will let you know when you can resume being around others based on your test results. Note that these recommendations do not apply to persons with severe COVID-19 or with severely weakened immune systems (immunocompromised). These persons should follow the guidance below for “I was severely ill with COVID-19 or have a severely weakened immune system (immunocompromised) due to a health condition or medication. When can I be around others?”
I tested positive for COVID-19 but had no symptoms. If you continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others after:
• 10 days have passed since you had a positive viral test for COVID-19.Most people do not require testing to decide when they can be around others; however, if your healthcare provider recommends testing, they will let you know when you can resume being around others based on your test results. If you develop symptoms after testing positive, follow the guidance above for “I think or know I had COVID-19, and I had symptoms.”
I was severely ill with COVID-19 or have a severely weakened immune system (immunocompromised) due to a health condition or medication. When can I be around others?
People who are severely ill with COVID-19 might need to stay home longer than 10 days and up to 20 days after symptoms first appeared. Persons who are severely immunocompromised may require testing to determine when they can be around others. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information. If testing is available in your community, it may be recommended by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you can resume being around other people based on the results of your testing.
Your doctor may work with an infectious disease expert or your local health departmentto determine whether testing will be necessary before you can be around others.
For Anyone Who Has Been Around a Person with COVID-19.
Anyone who has had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after their last exposure to that person.
• The best way to protect yourself and others is to stay home for 14 days if you think you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19.
However, anyone who has had close contact with someone with COVID-19 and who meets the following criteria does NOT need to stay home.
OR
• Someone who has COVID-19 illness within the previous 3 months and
• Has recovered and remains without COVID-19 symptoms (for example, cough, shortness of breath)
Youth student policies
Youth Student Drop-off
Youth students should remain in their vehicles in the parking lot. A Baum School staff member will complete a brief household symptom questionnaire and an in-vehicle contactless temperature check with an infrared no-touch forehead thermometer. Students will then be escorted into the building, provided their household is symptom free, they do not have a fever, and they are properly wearing a mask. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4° or over, or a temperature over 99.9° after two checks, will not be permitted to enter the building, and will be required to follow CDC guidelines for when it is safe to return. In most cases, we will be able to provide a prorated credit to be used at a later date.
Youth Student Pick-up
Upon arrival for pickup, parents and guardians should park in the Baum School’s parking lot. A staff member will approach your car and ask for your child’s name and verify your name is on the approved pick up list. Only those listed on your approved pickup list will be permitted to pick up your child. Your child will then be escorted to your vehicle.
Masks and Personal Protective Equipment for youth students
For youth students, masks are required in the common areas, as well as in the classroom. Masks may be removed during snack times and meal times, as well as for brief mask breaks when needed.
Social/physical Distance for youth Students
The following social/physical distance guidelines will be implemented for youth students:
• At least 3 feet between all campers within a cohort• At least 6 feet between all campers outside of their cohort
• At least 6 feet while eating and drinking without a mask indoors, including among people within the same cohort
• At least 6 feet between campers and staff
• At least 6 feet between staff
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
Vaccination
Adult students can voluntarily provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. We ask that students show a staff member their vaccination card or other official documentation. We will not store any personal medical documents. In adult classes where all students and faculty have provided COVID-19 proof of vaccination, some mitigation measures may be relaxed. The Baum School of Art’s administration will communicate directly with each class as to whether the class is eligible for relaxed mitigation measures. All social distance and masking mitigation measures will remain in effect until administration notifies a particular class of 100% vaccination status. We ask that all students be mindful of one another’s right to privacy relative to medical history and/or vaccination status. Anyone who does not wish to provide proof of vaccination will be considered unvaccinated for the purposes of our Health and Safety Plan.
Adult Student Check-In
Adult students should come to the entrance in the school’s parking lot. Approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of class, a Baum School staff member will complete a brief symptom check. Students will then be admitted into the building, provided they are symptom free and they are properly wearing a mask. Please refer to the Illness Policies and Procedures if you are unsure of whether or not to come to class based on your symptoms, symptoms of someone in your household, and vaccination status.
Masks and Personal Protective Equipment
For all adult students, masks are required in the common areas of The Baum School of Art. Masks will be required for faculty and students in the classroom, unless 100% of the individuals in the classroom have provided The Baum School of Art with proof of vaccination. Please refer to the vaccination section above for information on how the school will evaluate vaccination status on a class-by-class basis and notify students. Students who wish to continue to wear a mask, regardless of their vaccination status, are welcome to do so.
Social/physical Distance for adult Students
Adult students and faculty must follow the 6ft. social distance guidelines within their classroom, unless 100% of the individuals in the classroom have provided The Baum School of Art with proof of vaccination. Please refer to the vaccination section above for information on how the school will evaluate vaccination status on a class-by-class basis and notify students.
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 encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff and faculty members will complete daily temperature checks and a symptom check prior the start of their shift. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4° or over, or a temperature over 99.9° after two checks, 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. Staff and faculty can voluntarily provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination by showing Laurie Siegfried, Director of Operations and Marketing, or Shannon Fugate, Executive Director, their vaccination card or other official documentation. We will not store any personal medical documents. In adult classes where all students and faculty have provided COVID-19 proof of vaccination, some mitigation measures may be relaxed. The Baum School of Art’s administration will communicate directly with each class and faculty member as to whether the class is eligible for relaxed mitigation measures. All social distance and masking mitigation measures will remain in effect until administration notifies a particular class of 100% vaccination status. We ask that everyone be mindful of one another’s right to privacy relative to medical history and/or vaccination status. Anyone who does not wish to provide proof of vaccination will be considered unvaccinated for the purposes of our Health and Safety Plan.
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
