Introduction

We are so excited to be welcoming you into the new SketchPad home! As we invite members of the larger SketchPad community back, and in light of the ongoing pandemic, we have established the following policies to ensure that SketchPad is safe for use for all those who join us in person. 
 Just as in our old space, the protocols and policies are based on the principle, “I keep healthy for you, you keep healthy for me.” Maintaining the health and wellbeing of the entire SketchPad community – and the many people in our lives – will be all of our responsibility, so let’s take care of ourselves & each other! 
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These protocols were developed in accordance with the safety guidelines set by the CDC, FDA, and Illinois Department of Public Health, with input from health and industry experts. And, we’ve taken care to ensure these procedures align with our Jewish values in a way that enables us to continue joyful collaboration. 

SketchPad has established a COVID-19 vaccination mandate. In addition, in following current Illinois state protocols, SketchPad will continue to adapt to the needs of our members. 

The details below describe procedures as part of a November 2022 update, and the values guiding our approach. Our COVID-19 policies are reviewed regularly, including with medical professionals, to take into consideration evolving recommendations. We reserve the right to change these policies at any time.
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Thank you for working with us to keep each other safe and healthy, and to ensure we can continue in-person.

 Vaccination Policy

• Everyone who is eligible for vaccination – whether as a member working on site or as a guest of one of the member organizations – must be fully vaccinated prior to entering the premises. 
  • “Fully vaccinated” is currently defined by the Illinois Department of Public Health as follows: > 2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series, or > 2 weeks following receipt of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
    
  • We encourage you to consider your needs and nre not requiring booster doses at this time. 
• Proof of vaccination – provided at least 48 hours in advance – is required to attend all events and programs on site, and will be requested as part of registration. 
• You can submit your proof of vaccination here: https://forms.gle/fsHrNXQM5R6tvdxf8!
  • Individuals registering for events will be asked to show proof of vaccination by submitting a picture of your vaccination card through our registration links. These steps will ensure your name is added to our internal list of approved guests. 
  • When providing proof of vaccination, if any part of your name does not match the name on your card, please take a photo of the card and redact the part of your legal name that is not accurate.
  • We take private and confidential information seriously, and once your vaccination status has been verified, the file uploaded will be promptly deleted.
  • If you are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons or are not yet eligible, please contact SketchPad’s team at [email protected] so we can make proper accommodations.

• Each visitor will be required to sign in each and every day they are in the SketchPad office. This is necessary because: ↴
• If we are informed of a COVID-19 exposure and were in person with you at an event or a one-on-one meeting, we will let you know so you can take the necessary precautions.

• If you haven’t yet submitted proof of vaccination, you will need to provide it to attend. If you have already shared that proof, you will only have to confirm that you have done so. 
• You may not come to SketchPad if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

1. Fever, chills, or repeated shaking/shivering
2. Cough, sore throat
3. Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
4. Unusual weakness or fatigue
5. Loss of taste or smell
6. Muscle pain, headache (more than usual)
7. Runny nose or congestion
8. Diarrhea
9. A temperature over 100 degrees.

Masking Policy

• Masks are encouraged for close contact meetings and large attendance events. We encourage everyone to have a mask if needed to ensure that others can feel safe. As you are responsible for yourself, we are all responsible to care for each other.
  
• If requested to wear a mask during a meeting or event, we will have disposable masks for all guests who do not arrive with their own mask. Proper mask wearing covers both the nose and mouth.
• Social distancing is encouraged at all times. 
• Please eat or drink in designated area.
  • Eating will be limited to the break room and empty offices (i.e. offices that are currently unassigned to members). While eating in those spaces, please close the door and open the windows. 
  • Please limit the number of people in a space eating at any time.

Exposure Policy

• You should not come to any SketchPad or member’s event if you are sick or have knowingly been exposed to COVID-19.
• If you get sick during an event or while in a shared space, you should notify the SketchPad Team ([email protected]), get tested, and quarantine until your results return. 
• If you get sick within 7 days post-event or within 7 days of being in a shared space, you should get tested and notify us of your results.
• Current CDC guidelines recommend that people in close proximity to someone with COVID-19 should get tested 3-5 days after exposure, when the viral load is large enough to be detected. ​You will not be able to come back in person or attend in-person events until you have submitted proof of a negative PCR test. We love to see you, but unfortunately we need to prioritize everyone’s health and safety. 
• If you have attended an event with someone who, it turns out, tested positive for COVID, we will inform you as soon as we know so you can go through the necessary processes and get tested. 

Integrating Our Values
Our protocols are driven by SketchPad values and our Jewish values. These include:

• Pikuach Nefesh: “Safeguarding Life,” a bedrock principle of Jewish law.
• She’at Hadehak: “Extraordinary Moment,” making adjustments in times of emergency and crisis.
• Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh Bazeh: “We Are Responsible for One Another,” looking out for the mental and physical health and safety of one another.
• Hesed: “Profound Love and Kindness,” acting with a generosity of love and kindness towards the members of our community and the world at large.