​The Munroe Center for the Arts is working within the scope of the MA Child & Youth Serving Programs Reopen Approach, and in association with the Lexington Board of Health to plan for a safe summer of arts programming for the community.  Additional guidelines by the the American Camp Association (ACA), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) have guided our camp strategy.  Below are some practices that we have put into place, and some expectations that we have of students and camp families.

HOW WE HAVE DESIGNED PROGRAMMING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INFECTION

Social distancing in classrooms - students will be given ample space for work (indoors and outside) to allow for 6 feet spacing.  Teachers will help students be aware of keeping this spacing, and review established paths of travel to and from common areas (e.g., sink or doorway).

Camp start times will be staggered to allow for minimum person density at arrival areas.  

Enhanced hygiene - campers will each have an assigned area to work in.  These areas will be sanitized in between student use during the day.  At the end of each day, our cleaners disinfect all touchpoints in public areas of the building (e.g., doorknobs, faucets). 

Campers will either be given their own individual tools and materials to use, or will be provided with items that have been sanitized prior to a student/camper’s use.  Items that are not easily washed will be removed from access.

Campers will thoroughly wash their hands before having a snack mid-morning.  They will follow camp protocol and teacher/counselor guidance for maintaining proper distancing in and out of the restroom.  Campers will not be allowed to share snacks, and will not have snacks provided by MCA.  Any containers that a camper brings must be able to be managed by them alone.  All campers will need to bring their own water bottles.  Emergency water bottles will be on site for camper use, as needed.

PPE - all staff and visitors to the Center need to wear masks.  Students and staff will bring their own masks from home.  Emergency masks are available to anyone in need, and these can be obtained at the office.

We are asking everyone entering the building and/or participating in classes/camp to confirm their health status.  This information will be managed by the senior camp counselor, and will consist of the following:

1. Camper is feeling well, and free of any Covid-19 symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, recent lack of taste/smell).
2. Camper does not have a temperature of 100.4º F
3. Camper has not been recently exposed to anyone known to have Covid-19 
4. Camper has not been recently told by a health professional to self isolate.

Staff will also be asked to certify their health status each day before class.
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Other:
Students/campers will be asked to use the same restroom during their week at the Center.  This helps to reduce any potential spread of germs.

Classes will be outdoors as long as the weather is hospitable.  If classes need to be indoors, classroom windows will be open to allow for maximum ventilation.  Campers will not mingle with different groups or teachers.  Each camper will stay with the same group and instructor/counselor all week.  

If someone is feeling ill, they will be taken to our summer camp office which has an adjoining room for isolated rest and recovery while we monitor symptoms, and we will call parents or emergency contacts.  This room will be disinfected after use.

If a staff or students is ill, they are asked to stay home.  If staff reports to work with a temperature of 100.4º F or higher they will be sent home.  If this happens in a camp program, the Camp Director (BFA/MA) will stand in for the teacher until a substitute can be reached. 

If a student or staff member is reported to have Covid-19 and the building needs to close for disinfecting, students will receive class credit for any time missed.  Should this situation arise, students and families will immediately receive a phone call or an email from the Munroe Center for the Arts’ Executive Director.

Afternoon video calls - will happen through Zoom software.  For security measures, camper families will be given the link 15 minutes before class along with a password.  Teachers will have "waiting rooms" to only allow in those campers registered for the week.  Classes will not be recorded.  If a performance is developed and campers wish this to be recorded, camp families will be contacted in advance for approval.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF & OTHERS 

When we say “we are all in this together”, this means that it is everyone’s responsibility to know how to help reduce the spread of infection.  We ask that everyone coming to the Munroe Center for the Arts be aware of the following CDC Guidelines: Know how it spreads

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Wash your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
• Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
  • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
  • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
  • Do not gather in groups.
  • Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
  • Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

​Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
  • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Monitor Your Health

• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. 
  • Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.
• Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
  • Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
• Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.

​When to seek emergency medical attention:
Look for emergency warning signs* for Covid-19.  If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all possible symptoms.  Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility:  Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have Covid-19.

This camp complies with the regulations of the MDPH and is licensed by the Lexington Board of Health.