Covid Protocols and Guidelines

Summer Dance Week

PLEASE READ!

The following information is based on the current public health guidance for summer camps, and is subject to adjustments as guidance evolves.

Masks

Masks will not be required (with the exception of the MA Department of Public Health guidance regarding isolation and quarantine). The individual choice to wear a mask will be fully supported by the camp community.

Contact Tracing

As per MA Department of Public Health recommendations for camps, we will not be contact tracing. For more information pertaining to possible exposure, please refer to the current MA Department of Public Health guidance.

Symptoms of COVID-19

  • Fever (of 100.4 or greater) 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 (not due to allergies)*
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Please note that any one of these symptoms (fatigue, headache or runny nose) ALONE is not an automatic reason to keep your child home. However, if your child has one of these symptoms in combination with at least one other symptom, they are considered “symptomatic,” and the following protocols are advised.

Symptomatic Participants

Participants who are symptomatic* will be asked to remain home until they receive a negative at-home antigen or PCR test or alternate diagnosis from their physician or healthcare provider. However, please note that even with a negative test, as always, we would ask you to keep your child home if they are actively ill/contagious (ie. experiencing a fever over 100 degrees, vomiting, diarrhea, etc).

Likewise, participants who present with symptom(s)* at camp will receive an antigen test from our healthcare team (with permission from a parent/guardian), OR they will be sent home and must remain at home until they receive either a negative antigen or PCR test or an alternate diagnosis from their physician. As above, campers that are actively ill/contagious will be sent home.

In either scenario, testing at home is strongly recommended on the 1st, 2nd and 5th days, as well as masking while symptomatic.

Notification about a Positive Case

If a camper or staff member tests positive for COVID, the group will be notified by email. If your child tests positive individuals should follow the current MA Department of Public Health guidance regarding isolation and quarantine.

If your child is a confirmed close contact with someone who has tested positive

Individuals should follow the current MA Department of Public Health guidance regarding isolation and quarantine. According to the current guidance, “quarantine for asymptomatic exposed children, regardless of where the exposure occurred, is no longer required. Children who [identify] as close contacts may continue to attend [camp] as long as they remain asymptomatic. Those who can mask should do so until Day 10. A test on Days 2 and 5 is recommended.”

Sick/Quarantine Refund Policy

According to public health officials, COVID is now considered a common illness, much like other common illnesses we encounter, and it will likely be around for the foreseeable future. As such, absences due to COVID will be treated like absences from any other illness. As in pre-COVID years, refunds will not be given for any days missed for illness or quarantine.

The families who join us for Summer 2022 are those who feel strongly that the benefits of their children being in a camp situation outweigh the potential health risks associated with COVID-19. We continue to review the camp guidelines published by the MA Department of Public Health and have conferred with the Sharon Health Department.

Handwashing and Promoting Good Hygiene

Campers and staff will be instructed in proper hand washing techniques, and will be required to wash their hands regularly throughout the day.

  • Good hygiene practices will be taught and enforced through counselor training and signage throughout camp.
  • We will also be encouraging and teaching other healthy habits including covering coughs and sneezes, and proper use of hand sanitizer.
  • Hand washing and/or hand sanitizing stations will be set up all around camp. Hand washing/sanitizing will occur:
    - Before and after eating
    - After sneezing, coughing, or nose-blowing
    - After using the restroom

Cleaning and Disinfection of Equipment and Facilities

  • Bathrooms will be cleaned and disinfected daily by designated maintenance staff.
  • High touch surfaces in the Office will be disinfected regularly by Office Staff.
  • High touch activity equipment will be disinfected as needed by Activity Staff.

We also were gifted with rapid testing kits. If any camper in the morning wants to be tested we ask parents to come at 8:45 and test their child and wait for 15 mins. This is highly encouraged the first day of camp and on Wednesday! Please contact Caitlin

Posted: to Pizazz Dance News on Sun, Jul 10, 2022
Updated: Sun, Jul 10, 2022