Math Circle COVID Safety Policy
Our COVID Statement: We are inspired by the words of Marty Coleman-Hunt, Interim Executive Director, Woolman: “We now have renewed hope. … We have the vaccine, yet many hesitate to fully celebrate freedom after the long pandemic kept us isolated indoors and behind masks. Hesitation is rooted in a need to feel safer (and the hope that more people are vaccinated as the Delta variant bears down on our communities). These days I hear repeatedly from people that they don’t want to rush back to so-called normalcy — not so fast. We must pause. Listen to our hearts and bring into focus what is truly valuable to us.” We believe that our local community and the larger Math Circle community share these sentiments.
Safety Measures as of September 1, 2021
These measures are based upon guidance from the CDC, the School District of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
During class, all participants must remain 6 feet apart.
During class, all participants must remain masked. Students may wear personal, clean, well-maintained masks appropriate for a class environment. Acceptable masks include disposable surgical masks and cloth masks purchased or made from household items. Gator masks are not acceptable. Masks must fit well and cover the student’s mouth and nose.
Math Circle families are asked to also conduct a daily screening of their children at home, before heading to class. General Guidance: If any of the following is true, the student should stay home and contact a healthcare provider.
Fever of 100.4 °F or greater, new onset of cough, or shortness of breath unrelated to a pre-existing condition.
Any of the following symptoms: sore throat, chills, headache, muscle pain, loss of taste or smell.
Close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19
If a participant develops any of the above symptoms during class, the family will be asked to go home (or to a health-care facility) immediately, not at the end of class.
Students must use hand sanitizer in case multiple people touch the same object. We will do our best to eliminate/minimize shared items and to sanitize them between use.
If a student repeatedly violates mask protocols, discontinuing participation will be discussed with the family.
RETURN TO IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION GUIDELINES
If tested and determined to be COVID-19 positive, the student will remain home until all of the following are true:
at least 10 days since the onset of symptoms, AND
24 hours fever-free without the use of anti-fever medications (Tylenol, Motrin,etc.),
symptoms are improving.
Note: The COVID-19 positive individual does NOT need a repeat COVID test or doctor’s note in order to return to Math Circle.
When symptomatic, tested and determined to be COVID-19 negative, the student will remain home until:
Receiving and presenting a negative PCR test
The student meets the normal criteria for return after an illness which includes fever free, vomiting and diarrhea free for greater than 24 hours without medication OR
A clinician has evaluated the child and documented an alternative diagnosis and that the student may return to class
When symptomatic, but COVID-19 testing was not completed, the student will remain home until all of the following are true:
at least 10 days since the onset of symptoms, AND
24 hours fever-free without the use of anti-fever medications AND
symptoms are improving;
OR
A clinician has evaluated the student and documented an alternative diagnosis and that student may return to class sooner than 10 days.