MESSAGE FROM CEO DAVID DUBINSKY
Greetings to all - I hope you are staying healthy and safe!
Not too long ago, shortly after our state and San Francisco reopened all activities, Covid 19 appeared to be largely over. Case counts were at a 16 month low and on July 1 there was only 1 person in an ICU due to Covid 19 in all of San Francisco.
Today, it is a much different picture. Virus caseloads are going up again and are close to what we experienced this past February. What is different now is that most of those getting infected are not vaccinated and even though some vaccinated people are also becoming infected, they are not getting as sick and for sure not ending up in the ICU.
Because of this new variant and the latest surge we are seeing, we need to take several steps to do what we can to lessen the risk for our staff, our participants, and our community.
Adult Onsite Programs
Our adult participants remain at the Center. Each participant comes either Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Friday will remain a "fully remote" service day for the time being, including Zoom classes and community visits and activities. Staff are working closely with participants, caregivers, and transportation providers to ensure this in-person experience is smooth and positive for everyone. Email lsteele@prrcsf.org for more information.
Vaccination
In an effort to keep all of us as safe as possible, we are requesting that all staff who work directly with participants be vaccinated. We will work with any staff who do not want to get vaccinated (or cannot for medical or religious reasons) to allow them to continue working offsite.
Pomeroy participants are not required to get the vaccine to return to the facility; it is their choice to accept or decline the vaccine or any medical treatment. That said, we do encourage all participants coming to the Center to get vaccinated. We can provide help to any participant or caregiver that would like to get vaccinated and is having trouble getting an appointment.
This will be our policy until the state of California is deemed safe by the California Department of Public Health. With the virus still circulating and the reality of a new strain, we need to continue to be diligent to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Children & Teens Program
For now, we will cancel the morning camp class for our children. This class has the greatest risk of overlap with our adults--especially those in Team A, so for the next two remaining weeks, that class has been canceled. Notice has already been distributed to those families affected. We will still hold the afternoon session where most of the activities will be outside and where we can socially distance effectively even when inside.
Pomeroy’s programs for children and teens aged 5 to 21 will continue offering hybrid services as we have since last summer. Programs for small “pods” are offered onsite from Monday through Thursday as well as Saturdays. Fully remote programming takes place on Friday. Summer camp enrollment has begun. Email ctoffice@prrcsf.org for more information or go to www.prrcsf.org/children-and-teens
Aquatics Programs
All therapeutic swimmers using the pool must be vaccinated. We will begin collecting vaccination information on all swimmers immediately and, after August 15, all therapeutic swimmers sharing the pool must be vaccinated. For those families taking swim lessons, we will require masks while on the pool deck and we will encourage and provide face shields for those parents that get into the pool with their children. Any swimmer with a doctor's note that disallows the vaccination may be allowed to participate but will be required to wear a face shield in the pool and will have limited locker room availability.
Please refer to https://www.prrcsf.org/therapeutic-swim2 for more information.
Facility Rentals
We await word from the City about when we can resume gym and Main Hall rentals and if so, what restrictions will apply. If you would like to book a space at Pomeroy, please visit our website and fill out an inquiry form and we will be in touch with you. www.prrcsf.org/rentals
Below are answers to some of our most pressing questions at this time. If you have additional questions that have not been addressed here, please feel free to reach out directly to daviddubinsky@prrcsf.org.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ONECENTER & BRAINSTORM
CHILDREN & TEENS
POOL | DONORS/RENTERS/COMMUNITY
Please check out our online learning resources!
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: Is Pomeroy open now?
A: As of this writing, the Children & teens program is open 5 days a week. The pool is now also open for children’s swim lessons and for adults.
Q: Is everyone able to come back to Pomeroy?
A: Not yet. We are still gradually phasing in all our programs as directed by the SFDPH, including our day programs for adults and after school program for youth. For details, see your area of interest below.
Q: How will you keep everyone safe?
A: Our goal is to keep all participants, staff, and swimmers as safe as possible. We have safety protocols for everyone at Pomeroy. See the specific details in your area of interest below.
Q: Will testing and vaccinations be required for all staff before they return? What about participants?
A: We are now asking all staff who work directly with participants to be vaccinated, as well as those who work on-site at the Center. We strongly encourage participants and caregivers to get tested and vaccinated to take every precaution to keep themselves healthy. However, as essential workers, staff are eligible to get tested and vaccinated without having any symptoms so we will continue to encourage both.
Below are the interest areas for most people who use the Center. If you have any questions not answered here, please email us at prrcsf@prrcsf.org or call 415-665-4100.
ONECENTER & BRAINSTORM
Q: When can I come back to program?
A: This will vary. We will work with every individual participant and caregiver to determine the right time for them to return to Pomeroy. If you are told you need to wait to return, we will provide as much individualized support and program for you at home as possible in the meantime.
Q: Will I get to come for my usual schedule?
A: Probably not. For a while, we will likely have some type of schedule where one group attends Monday-Wednesday and another attends Tuesday-Thursday. Our staff will discuss this with you before you return.
Q: Will I be in the same classroom as usual?
A: That depends. In order to limit the number of people using one building and the same set of restrooms, we will likely make use of the Main Hall and the gym as classroom space. You will stay with one group - or Pod - of up to 8 people, both participants and staff, every day you attend program. That way, if someone gets sick, we can do more effective contact tracing and reduce the spread of infection.
Q: Will all the staff come back at once?
A: No, staff in every department will be coming to Pomeroy just a few days a week so that only half the staff is onsite each day. On the other days, staff will be tele-working, continuing to conduct Zoom classes and do check-in calls with participants.
Q: Do we still change classes for OneCenter?
A: No. You will be staying with your “pod” for all activities. This is important so that we can track and contain any infections if they happen.
Q: Will I have the same bus driver as usual?
A: We’re working with transportation vendors to have participants ride with the Pod they will be with during program hours.
Q: Will there still be Project Open Hand for those who need meals?
A: POH is continuing to deliver frozen meals weekly. If the participant is at the Center, meals will be delivered there.
Q: How do I know it’s safe to send my loved one to Pomeroy?
A: Pomeroy cannot absolutely guarantee your safety but we will take every precaution we can to avoid and limit the spread of COVID-19 and any other infectious disease. Until there is effective treatment, we will require the use of masks and social distancing protocols, and will implement enhanced sanitation throughout the facility. We will conduct temperature screenings for everyone upon arrival and ask participants and their caregivers to get tested on a regular basis. There will be no congregating, no intermingling of classes, and limited use of shared spaces, i.e playground. If facilities are shared, staff will sanitize them between uses. Initially, any participants who return will be encouraged to wear a mask, wash their hands, and maintain good social distancing with minimal reminders/prompts.
Q: Will there be sanitizing of classrooms between uses? What about restrooms?
A: Program staff will be cleaning surfaces in classrooms throughout the day; staff will be accompanying participants to the restroom and sanitizing before and after use.
Q: I have sensory/respiratory issues and cannot stand to wear a mask. Can I still come to Pomeroy?
A: We understand that this is a significant challenge for some individuals. We will abide by CDC guidelines and for children and/or adults that are unable to wear a mask, we will do what we can to help them remain safe by washing their hands, and maintain social distance from others with minimal reminders/prompts. Staff will be in touch with you to discuss this. However, some individuals that are unable to wear a mask and/or need intensive personal care may be readmitted after our initial phase 1 opening. If you are told you need to wait to return, we will provide as much individualized support and program for you at home as possible in the meantime.
Q: Can I come into the building just to pick up my participant?
A: Families and caregivers will have staff cell numbers so they can be met curbside for any drop offs or pick ups.
Q: How will staff be enforcing social distancing and mask wearing?
A: Prior to reopening, staff will work with participants and caregivers to help everyone understand the new requirements and practice as much as they can. Onsite, staff will continue teaching and reminding participants of the rules. Participants who are unable to follow the rules may be required to stay home until it is safe to have them return.
Q: Will we be doing ISPs at Pomeroy again?
A: We are encouraging ISPs to be conducted on Zoom or other platforms.
CHILDREN & TEENS
Q: When can I come back to program?
A: This will vary. We will work with every individual participant and caregiver to determine the right time for them to return to Pomeroy. If you are told you need to wait to return, we will provide as much individualized support and program for you at home as possible in the meantime.
Q: Will I get to come for my usual schedule?
A: Onsite program days are Monday-Thursday 1 pm to 5 pm and Saturday 10:30am-3:30pm.
Q: Will I be in the same classroom as usual?
A: That depends. You will stay with one group - or Pod - of up to 14 people (or some other number if CDC or SFDPH mandates it) made up of both participants and staff, every day you attend the program. That way, if someone gets sick, we can do more effective contact tracing and reduce the spread of infection.
Q: Will all the staff come back at once?
A: No, staff in every department will be coming to Pomeroy just a few days a week so that only half the staff is onsite each day. On the other days, staff will be teleworking, probably continuing to conduct Zoom classes and do check-in calls with participants.
Q: How do I know it’s safe to send my child to Pomeroy?
A: Pomeroy cannot guarantee everyone’s safety but will take every precaution we can to avoid and limit the spread of COVID-19 and any other infectious disease. Until there is effective treatment, we will require the use of masks and social distancing protocols, and will implement enhanced sanitation throughout the facility. We will conduct temperature screenings for everyone upon arrival and ask participants and their caregivers to get tested on a regular basis. There will only be interaction with up to 14 individuals (or as directed). There will be no congregating, no intermingling of classes, and limited use of shared spaces, i.e playground. If facilities are shared, staff will sanitize them between uses. Initially, any participants who return will need to be able to wear a mask, wash their hands, and maintain good social distancing with minimal reminders/prompts.
Q: Will there be sanitizing of classrooms between uses? What about restrooms?
A: Classrooms will be sanitized after each use. Restrooms will be sanitized approximately hourly.
Q: My child has sensory/respiratory issues and cannot stand to wear a mask. Can they still come to Pomeroy?
A: We understand that this is a significant challenge for some individuals. We will follow CDC guidelines regarding masks for both our children and adults. For those that cannot wear a mask, we will ensure they wash their hands, and maintain social distance from others with minimal reminders/prompts. We will encourage the use of a face shield if possible. Staff will be in touch with you to discuss this. If you are told you need to wait to return, we will provide as much individualized support and program for you at home as possible in the meantime.
Q: Can I come into the building just to pick up my participant?
A: No we will probably have curbside pickup and drop off for the time being at the gate to the playground. Most likely there will be a health screening during drop-off that will involve taking of temperatures and completing a questionnaire.
Q: How will staff be enforcing social distancing and mask-wearing?
A: Prior to reopening, staff will work with participants and caregivers to help everyone understand the new requirements and practice as much as they can. Onsite, staff will continue teaching and reminding participants of the rules. Participants who are unable to follow the rules may be required to stay home until it is safe to have them return.
POMEROY AQUATHERAPY POOL
Q: When will therapeutic swim classes resume?
A: A new schedule is now available as of June 28. For full information and re-opening restrictions, please visit https://www.prrcsf.org/therapeutic-swim2.
Q: When will baby and child swim classes resume?
A: Classes have resumed! Please refer to the SWIM LESSONS page for full details.
Q: When will Pomeroy participants start using the pool again?
A: The pool is now open.
Q: Will you be taking everyone’s temperature?
A: Yes, and asking you a few questions about how you are feeling.
Q: I paid for an annual pass. Will it be extended?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I get a refund if you don’t reopen? Or if I decide not to come back?
A: If we are unable to make the pool available, we will refund your money. If you choose not to come to the pool for personal reasons, we will not refund your money.
Q: Will I have to wear a mask in the pool?
A: No. Plastic shields will be provided for use while in the pool. You will have to wear a mask everywhere else at Pomeroy, though.
Q: How many people will there be in a class?
A: We will follow DPH guidelines to make this decision.
Q: Will we be able to use the changing rooms?
A: Yes, in a very limited capacity. There will be only one way in and out of the changing rooms - the pool deck doors. Staff will be metering the number of people going in and out. We ask that you be considerate: maintain good social distancing and make good use of your time so others don’t have to wait too long. If you are able, we encourage you to come to Pomeroy with your swimsuit on so you don’t need to use the changing room at all - or only once.
Q: What kind of sanitizing will you be doing between classes?
A: All shared surfaces will be sanitized between classes, both on the pool deck and in the changing rooms.
DONORS/RENTERS/COMMUNITY
RENTERS
Q: When will the gym be open for basketball/sports again?
A: We don’t know the answer to that yet. We are waiting for guidelines from DPH.
Q: When will the Main Hall be available to rent again?
A: We don’t know the answer to that yet. We are waiting for guidelines from DPH.
Q: I rented the Main Hall for an event and got a refund when you had to cancel it. Will I be put on a waiting list for a future date?
A: Once we know how to safely rent out the Main Hall, we will be in touch with you. Feel free to reach out with any additional questions via the rentals page on our website https://www.prrcsf.org/rentals
Q: I only want to have a small party - 50 people - can we book that now?
A: Possibly. Please complete the inquiry form at https://www.prrcsf.org/rentals.
Community Members and Donors
Q: Will there be Pomeroy Live concerts this year?
A: Yes, virtually! Check www.prrcsf.org/live
Q: Will Banner of Love be happening in person in February 2022?
A: We will await DPH guidelines to fully determine if this event will be in person next year. Email us at events@prrcsf.org to be added to the invite list or to volunteer to help.