Illness Policy
Adapted from guidance published by The Public Schools of Brookline School Health Services. This guidance is not intended as medical advice.
Puppet Showplace (PST) strives to create a supportive and fun environment at our public performances and out-of-school-time programs. In support of the health and safety of our patrons, students, artists, teachers, and staff, PST does have some health guidelines and may require patrons to not attend or be picked up early if the health and safety of others is at risk. In general:
COLD/COUGH (Upper Respiratory Illness): If your child has a runny nose and frequent sneezing and coughing, keep your child home until these symptoms lessen, usually 24 to 48 hours, as this is when the illness is most contagious. Children/patrons with mild residual cold symptoms may attend if they 1) have had no fever for 24 hours, and 2) are testing negative for COVID and/or wear a mask during the program. Even if testing negative for COVID, patrons are asked to wear a mask if they are experiencing respiratory symptoms that may be communicable.
FEVER: If your child has a temperature of 100 degrees or greater (without fever reducing medication), keep your child home until 24 hours of a sustained normal temperature.
VOMITING AND/OR DIARRHEA: If your child has vomiting or diarrhea, keep your child home until 24 hours after the last episode.
CHICKEN POX (Varicella): Vaccinated children have a low incidence of contracting "breakthrough" chicken pox. However if your child develops a rash with blisters, a case of chicken pox should be ruled out. For a suspected case of chicken pox, keep your child home until all the scabs are crusted over and dry.
RASH: If your child has a potentially communicable rash, keep your child home until you can seek guidance from your primary care provider.
SKIN FUNGUS: If your child has a skin fungus (ringworm), keep your child home until you can seek guidance from your primary care provider. Your child may attend if the ringworm is small and in a covered area. For exposed ringworm, your child may attend after 24 hours of using the recommended medication.
TAKING MEDICATION: When your primary care provider prescribes antibiotics for Strep Throat, Bacterial Conjunctivitis, Impetigo, or other bacterial illness that is communicable keep your child at home until s/he has taken at least 24 hours of medication.
