Below are detailed procedures that will remain in place through March 31, 2021, at which time they will be reevaluated and updated as necessary, based on the current public health situation.  These procedures are mandatory and must be followed at all times. Procedures are based on Texas Health & Human Services, Texas Education Agency, and CDC guidelines and may change based on updated recommendations. Updates regarding any changes to protocols will be posted here.


TEMPERATURE & HEALTH SCREENINGS

• In order to ensure the health and safety of all, staff members and students will be required to undergo daily COVID-19 health screenings.  Screenings will include a temperature check along with a series of questions regarding testing, symptoms, and contact.  Specific screening questions are listed below.  Screening questionnaires will be submitted via an online form found at pitchmethis.com/screening.
• For staff members, screenings will occur before entering the building, before the designated start time, and before student screenings begin.  For students, screenings will occur before entering the building, in the lobby or entryway.  Parents are not allowed to enter the building past the lobby during drop-off or pick-up time.  Parents should stay with their students until they have been cleared to enter the facility.
• All staff members, students, and parents will be required to wear a cloth face mask or other protective covering throughout the screening process.  They should be worn so that they cover the person's mouth and nose completely.  Face masks will be available for all staff members and students upon request.
• Upon completion of screening, all staff members and students will be required to sanitize their hands before entering the building.
• All screenings will be conducted by a member of the PMT Admin Team.

SCREENING QUESTIONS

• In the last 2 weeks, have you or anyone in your household (for students: including siblings, nanny, caregiver) had a Covid-positive infection?  If you tested positive, you will not be allowed to enter the facility and may only return after two consecutive negative Covid-19 tests (PCR only) OR 10 days after the first positive Covid-19 test, if asymptomatic.  If symptomatic, you must be symptom-free for 3 days before returning.  If someone in your household tested positive, you will not be allowed to enter the facility and may only return 10 days after their first positive Covid-19 test AND after a negative Covid-19 test for yourself (PCR only). 
• Have you scheduled or do you plan to schedule a Covid-19 screening test, even if only as a precautionary measure, because of suspected exposure?
•  If a Covid-19 screening test is planned because of suspected exposure, you will not be allowed to enter the facility and may only return after a negative Covid-19 test (PCR only)—and at the discretion of the PMT Admin Team.
• In the last week, have you (your students) experienced any of the following symptoms?
  • Coughing, not related to allergies or asthma
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Fever great than 100.4 F in the last 24 hours
  • Sore throat
  • Nasal congestion, not related to allergies
  • Unusual shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting
• If two (2) more of these symptoms have been experienced, you will not be allowed to enter the facility and may only return after two consecutive negative Covid-19 tests (PCR only) OR 10 days after the onset of symptoms—and at the discretion of the PMT Admin Team.

HYGEINE & SANITATION

• Students should be encouraged to sneeze or cough into a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately.  Alternatively, students can cough or sneeze into their elbow.
• Students should be discouraged from touching their face with unwashed hands.
• Staff members and students are discouraged from shaking hands, hugging, or coming in close contact with each other or the students.
• Before students arrive, staff members will be required to sanitize all surfaces in their classrooms, including chairs, countertops, door handles, and any other surface or object that is frequently touched by students or staff members.  Cleaning products will be provided by PMT Productions.

IN-CLASS & REHEARSAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Staff members and students will be required to sanitize their hands before each class.
• Whenever possible, staff members will be required to practice physical distancing from students and other staff members.
• Staff members will be required to wear a cloth face mask or other protective covering throughout all classes.  They should be worn so that they cover the person's mouth and nose completely.  Full-size face shields may be used during music, acting, and dance classes.  If face shield is being utilized, staff member may remove cloth face mask.  If a face shield is being utilized, staff members will be required to maintain physical distancing of at least ten (10) feet from students.  Face shields may only be used during class instruction time.
• Students will be required to wear cloth face mask or other protective covering at all times throughout the rehearsal process.  Masks will be also be required for all students ages 10 and older when entering and exiting the building, when moving between classrooms, or during times when physical distancing is impossible.  They should be worn so that they cover the person's mouth and nose completely.  Masks may only be removed when performing on stage and at the discretion of the PMT Admin Team.
• At all times, students will be required to practice physical distancing.  If using chairs, they should be separated by at least six (6) feet.  If working at tables, each student should have their own table with sufficient space between tables.  Each restroom will be limited for use by one student at a time.
• Students may not share any materials, including pencils, highlighters, and craft supplies.  Each student will be provided with individual materials packets.
• Students’ personal items that are not being used in class (backpacks, lunch boxes, dance shoes) must be separated from each other.  Labeled boxes will be provided for each student.

LUNCH-TIME CONSIDERATIONS

• Before lunch begins, all students will be required to sanitize their hands thoroughly.
• Students should maintain physical distancing while traveling to and from the lunchroom.  To ensure distancing is possible, student travel times should be slightly staggered.
• Students may not share any food or drinks with other students.
• Each table will be limited to two students, with students sitting as far apart as possible at the table.  For small tables, each student may be required to sit at their own table.
• Staff members should maintain sufficient distancing from students and each other during mealtimes.

PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS

• Backstage areas will not be utilized during performances.  All entrances and exits will occur from the from the downstage stairs.
• Students should maintain physical distancing when not on stage.  Throughout the performance, students will be seated in a separate area from the audience with at least six (6) feet between their chairs.
• Microphones should be sanitized before being used and between uses.
• Staff members will be required to wear a cloth face mask or other protective covering throughout the entire performance, except when speaking on stage to the audience.  They should be worn so that they cover the person's mouth and nose completely.
• Audience members will be required to undergo a brief temperature screening and complete an online health questionnaire before entering the performance space.
• Audience members will be separated by at least six (6) feet between chairs.  At the discretion of the PMT Admin Team, family groups may combine chairs.  Family groups should be seated with at least ten (10) feet between their group and other audience members or family groups.  Face masks will be available for all audience members and are required for the duration of the performance, including during intermission and when entering and exiting the building.  They should be worn so that they cover the person's mouth and nose completely.  Audience members who do not follow mask-wearing protocols will be asked to leave the performance.  Interactions between the cast, staff members, and audience members is permitted, as long as physical distancing is maintained.
• Audience members should exit the performance space immediately following the performance and wait to greet performers in the entryway or outside of the building.

References:
Center for Disease Control. (2020). Youth Program & Camps Decision Tool: Public Health Considerations for Reopening Youth Programs and Camps During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Retrieved from: DOWNLOAD

Center for Disease Control. (2020). Interim Guidance for Schools and Day Camps.
Retrieved from: DOWNLOAD

Center for Disease Control. (2020, May 19). Consideration for Youth and Summer Camps.
Retrieved from: DOWNLOAD

Office of the Texas Governor. (2020, May 18). Minimum Standard Health Protocols: Checklist for Day Youth Camp Operators and Staff.
Retrieved from: DOWNLOAD

Texas Education Agency. (2020, November 5). SY 20-21 Public Health Planning Guidance.
Retrieved from: DOWNLOAD

Center for Disease Control. (2020, October 19). Duration of Isolation and Precautions for Adults with Covid-19.
Retrieved from: DOWNLOAD

RETURN TO HEALTH SCREENING!

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