Dear Recess Collective Community,

As you are no doubt aware, cases of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have been diagnosed in the Bay Area.  Global circumstances suggest and experts recommend preparing for more widespread transmission.

Our goal is to support our community in efforts toward prevention, preparation and resources to support you and your family’s wellbeing. As always, the health and safety of your family is our primary concern.

What We Are Doing To Keep Recess a Safe & Healthy Space

We are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation and we will continue to follow the guidance of public health authorities. As of March 6, the San Francisco Department of Public Health is recommending that vulnerable populations limit outings. For details on the latest public health guidelines, please see here.

As a community organization dedicated to serving local families, we are committed to providing a welcoming, safe space as long as we are safely able to do so. At the same time, we recognize that this situation is evolving rapidly, and we will continue to keep you informed should public health guidelines require future changes to our hours and programming.

We’d also like to share the extra measures we’re taking:

• Increased routine cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch spaces and surfaces, including restrooms, tabletops, light switches, door knobs and fixed toys

• Provide additional hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the space

• Continuing to sanitize all toys every day and ask caregivers to place mouthed toys in designated bins during play

• Encouraging all visitors and staff to practice healthy habits, including frequent and thorough hand washing for 20 seconds with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and staying home if you are sick or not feeling well

The best way for all San Franciscans to reduce their risk of getting sick, as with seasonal colds or the flu, still applies to prevent COVID-19. Of course, it goes without saying, but if you have a fever, cough, or cold, or cold like symptoms, please do not come to Recess.

What you can do to protect yourself and others:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.  

• Ensure your children wash before and after play and when changing activities (before/after eating, etc).

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or an elbow when you cough or sneeze. Throw any used tissues in the trash. Then wash your hands with soap and water.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Try alternatives to shaking hands, like an elbow bump or wave;

• Use your knuckles if you need to press elevator buttons; and

• Stay home and do not travel or go to work, Recess, or public spaces when you are sick.

• There is no recommendation from the Department of Public Health to wear masks at this time to prevent yourself from getting sick.

Keeping Calm & Talking with Children about Coronavirus

Importantly, while this situation may be cause for alarm given the potential to spread widely, a public health emergency like this calls for calm and clarity. Panic can be counterproductive. Rather than panicking, stay informed, practice good hygiene, maintain communication with each other, and know that we are keeping a close eye, together, on this situation.  

You may find:

• this article helpful in managing stress,

• this one  and this one for guidance around discussions with your children,

• and this comic with slightly older children.

You can also prepare for the possible disruption caused by an outbreak:

• Make sure you have a supply of all essential medications for your family;

• Make a child care plan if you or a caregiver are sick;

• Make arrangements about how your family will manage a school closure; and

• Make a plan for how you can care for a sick family member without getting sick yourself.

The status of COVID-19 in San Francisco and the region is rapidly evolving and we will be closely following recommendations and guidance from the CDC and the SF Departments of Public Health and Emergency Management and encourage everyone to stay updated and informed as well.

We will provide updates as they come. But for now, be well and wash those hands!

Take good care