As many of ASAP’s partner schools and community-based organizations begin their after school Chess, Debate, Drama, and Scrabble clubs this fall, ASAP would like to clarify and update its policies in regards to COVID-19. While we are relieved that the availability of vaccines and more effective treatments has brought Philadelphia to a new stage of the pandemic where we are able to gather in large groups for chess tournaments, drama showcases, and more after school and weekend events, we believe it is still our responsibility as members of the Philadelphia community to keep our students, staff, volunteers, and program partners safe and healthy. In this vein, ASAP’s staff has developed the following guidelines and policies as we approach our larger, in-person kick-off events for the 2022-23 school year.
ASAP strongly encourages all staff, consultants, program partners, club leaders, and participating youth at ASAP events to wear a face mask unless they are eating or drinking. While not expressly required, ASAP strongly encourages our community members to take this step to protect each other, especially when activities do not allow for social distancing (for example, playing chess across the board from another participant). ASAP will continue to have extra masks and hand sanitizer available at our events.
ASAP requires that any students, staff, consultants, club leaders, or partners refrain from attending an ASAP event if they:
- Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past seven (7) days, OR;
- Have experienced COVID-19 symptoms (fever 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, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea) in the past 24 hours.
If any participants have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past seven (7) days, ASAP requests that they wear a mask while attending an ASAP event to protect any members of our community who are not yet vaccinated.
We ask all our ASAP community members – students, partners, club leaders, consultants, volunteers, and staff – to abide by these rules in order to protect each other. Repeated violations of these policies will result in community members being asked to leave, and repeat offenders may be barred from participation in future ASAP events.
We appreciate everyone’s flexibility, patience, and cooperation as we strive to return to large in-person events and competitions while keeping ASAP’s community of students, families, partners, and staff safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns about ASAP’s COVID-19 policies, please email us at programs@phillyasap.org or call us at 215-607-2069.