Wellness Policy

Overview

At PHAME, keeping everyone safe is very important. Many of our students have medical conditions that can make them very sick if they catch an illness. This is why our safety rules may be stricter than at other places.

This page explains what to do if you are feeling sick and when you can come back to PHAME. It also talks about when PHAME might require everyone to wear masks. These rules apply to students, their support people, family members visiting PHAME, and PHAME staff.

If you have questions, please reach out to us at info@phamepdx.org. Thank you for helping us keep our community healthy!

Wellness Policy

Stay Home If You Are Sick

All students who are sick or have an illness that can spread to others must stay home. Here are some signs that mean you should stay home:

• Fever (100°F or higher)
• Sore throat
• Moderate to severe sneezing or runny nose
• Moderate to severe cough
• Severe eye rashes or lesions
• Trouble breathing or wheezing
• New (or unusual for you) gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, etc
• Lice or nits
• Unexplained rash or skin discoloration

Students are not required to tell PHAME if they are missing a class, however they are welcome to email their Teaching Artist. If the student will be missing multiple classes or a full week, please email cc@phamepdx.org.

When to Return to PHAME

• For Respiratory Illnesses (like cold, flu, Covid) and fevers: You can come back when your symptoms are getting better and you have been fever-free (without medicine) for 48 hours. You will need to wear a high-quality mask for 5 days after returning. Masks are available at the CC desk. If you still have a cough or runny nose, keep wearing your mask until those symptoms are gone.
• For Lice or Nits: You can return when all lice and nits are completely gone.
• For Other Illnesses: You can come back once your symptoms have improved, and you have been free from vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours.

If You Were Exposed to Illness

If you have been around someone who is sick, please wear a high-quality mask. Stay home if you start feeling sick.

If You Show Symptoms at PHAME

If you show signs of illness at PHAME, you will be asked to wear a high-quality mask. If you are very sick, we will ask you to go home early (we can help you arrange a ride).

Vaccination

PHAME does not have a vaccination requirement, however we encourage everyone to stay up to date with their Covid and flu vaccines.

School-Wide Mask Requirements

If there is a sudden increase in sickness in our community, we might ask everyone to wear masks. If this happens, you will be notified by email. Masks will always be available for students who need them. If you cannot wear a mask, you will need to stay home during that time.

Need Help Deciding Whether to Stay Home?

If you’re not sure if you should come to PHAME or stay home, please reach out to a Campus Coordinator at 503-764-9718 ext. 22. They will be happy to help you come up with a good plan.