We remain open for now, but we're being vigilant

Dear Extreme Kids & Crew community, 

There are now multiple confirmed cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in New York City. While the risk remains low, we are aware that many of our member families may be more vulnerable to infection. We have arranged to have a cleaning service come into the play spaces more frequently, and staff will use alcohol-based cleaning products to disinfect toys, equipment and furniture daily. Extreme Kids & Crew’s play spaces remain open, and the events will run as scheduled until informed otherwise. Most of our programming takes place within public schools, and thus we will follow the Department of Education's lead regarding closures.

While we remain open, please do not participate in Extreme Kids programming if:

• you or a family member is sick.

• you recently returned to New York from China, Iran, South Korea, Italy or Japan within the last 14 days.

• you have been in close contact with someone who has travelled to a high-risk location.

Your safety is of the utmost importance to us, and we are happy to share the following information from the Health Department:

To prevent infection, the best advice is still to get a flu shot, wash your hands with soap and water, use an alcohol-based sanitizer, and cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. What we know about the coronavirus so far is that it behaves like the flu, which means the best prevention is the same advice given during flu season.

Visit NYC’s Coronavirus website for real-time updates in multiple languages. 

• Here are FAQs in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic.

• Here is a doctor’s note for your children in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic.

You can also text COVID to 692-692 to get real-time updates.

We suggest visiting the NYC Department of Education’s website for information on public school updates. And this guide from the New York Times about talking to kids about coronavirus is a great resource if you're struggling to keep your own anxiety in check.

During this time of unknowns and potential fear, please treat each other with respect and kindness. We are all in this together.

We will keep you posted on further developments, and we hope you stay safe and healthy.

With love and compassion,

Caitlin M. Cassaro, Executive Director, and The Crew

Transcript: What You Need to Know about Coronavirus (in ASL) Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause mild illnesses like a cold, to more serious ill...