Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Yes, We are Cooking! We have been hosting In-Person Classes since June of 2020.

Our Staff Is Vaccinated!
“As an Executive Director for MGH, I am comfortable and impressed with your COVID precautions, care and adherence to the safety changes”.

-E.S.

COVID-19 Operational and Safety Updates

Updated 5/10/2023

Today marks the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

CSCA Policy:

  • Masks are optional for staff and students.
  • Proof of Vaccination will not be requested.

Face masks are optional at this time.  Please wear a mask if you are more comfortable doing so. If you are sick, we ask that you stay home.  If you come to class and have a persistent cough or sneeze, please wear a face mask out of consideration of other participants.  NOTE: CSCA Staff reserves the right to ask any student exhibiting symptoms of illness to wear a face mask or to leave the premises for the safety of other participants.

Updated 12/15/2022

CSCA Policy: Masks are optional. 

While masks are no longer required in most settings, many people continue to mask up indoors and on public transportation. The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) strongly supports this practice, especially when the virus is widely circulating in the community.

When masking up indoors, CPHD recommends wearing high-quality disposable masks. These masks, also known as “high-filtration” masks, do a much better job of blocking the virus than cloth or even surgical masks.

CSCA Recommendations:

  • Wear a mask indoors in public settings.
  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
  • Get tested if you have symptoms.
  • Stay home if sick or recently exposed.

Updated 5/27/2022

CITY OF CAMBRIDGE: MASK ADVISORY

With Cambridge and Middlesex County both in the High COVID-19 Community Level category as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the City of Cambridge and Cambridge Public Health Department issued an advisory strongly recommending that residents wear masks when indoors outside the home and when around others.

CSCA encourages following CDC recommendations, including several prevention measures when COVID-19 community levels are High:

  • Wear a mask indoors in public settings.
  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
  • Get tested if you have symptoms.
  • Stay home if sick or recently exposed.

See below for more information:

https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/News/2022/05/cityandcphdissuemaskadvisory

Updated 3/14/2022

Important Announcement regarding Mask Requirements at CSCA.

The City of Cambridge lifted its Mask Mandate today, March 14,2022. Cambridge has seen a steady decrease in reported cases, test positivity, and COVID-19 virus detection in the City’s municipal wastewater monitoring program. Additionally, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 92% of residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, 76% of residents are fully vaccinated, and 45% have received a booster dose.

CSCA will follow the City of Cambridge and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines as follows:

Effective TODAY, Monday, March 14, 2022: CSCA will transition to a voluntary mask program for Professional and Recreational Students.

 

CSCA and Health agencies advise continued mask wearing as follows:

  • If you are unvaccinated, it is advised that you continue to wear a mask in the classroom.
  • If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness, it is advised that you continue to wear a mask in the classroom. If you have questions on whether or not you are at higher risk, please contact your physician for guidance.
  • If you live with or have social contact with someone at high risk for severe illness, it is advised that you continue to wear a mask in the classroom.
  • If you are more comfortable wearing a mask, please continue to do so.

NOTE: Our COVID-19 Protocols are subject to change at any time.  We will continue to monitor COVID-19 conditions and will revise mask requirements or other protocols as needed to keep CSCA Staff and Students as safe as possible.

 

Updated 3/9/2022

Important Announcement regarding Mask Requirements at CSCA.

The City of Cambridge will lift its mask requirement for indoor public places effective at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2022. Cambridge has seen a steady decrease in reported cases, test positivity, and COVID-19 virus detection in the City’s municipal wastewater monitoring program. Additionally, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 92% of residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, 76% of residents are fully vaccinated, and 45% have received a booster dose.

CSCA will follow the City of Cambridge and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines as follows:

Effective Monday, March 14, 2022: CSCA will transition to a voluntary mask program for Professional and Recreational Students.

 

CSCA and Health agencies advise continued mask wearing as follows:

  • If you are unvaccinated, it is advised that you continue to wear a mask in the classroom.
  • If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness, it is advised that you continue to wear a mask in the classroom. If you have questions on whether or not you are at higher risk, please contact your physician for guidance.
  • If you live with or have social contact with someone at high risk for severe illness, it is advised that you continue to wear a mask in the classroom.
  • If you are more comfortable wearing a mask, please continue to do so.

NOTE: Our COVID-19 Protocols are subject to change at any time.  We will continue to monitor COVID-19 conditions and will revise mask requirements or other protocols as needed to keep CSCA Staff and Students as safe as possible.

 

Updated 1/1/2022

Due to the infectious nature of the Omicron and Delta variants and the rising case and transmission rates in unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals in Massachusetts and across the country, as well as guidance from the CDC, the State and City of Cambridge*, we will be requiring masks to be worn by all CSCA Staff, Students and Vendors regardless of vaccination status.

 

All staff, instructors, students and vendors, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks AT ALL TIMES while in the kitchens/classrooms except when eating or drinking.

  • All students will be required to sign a COVID Health Statement and must follow all procedures and protocols during class. Failure to follow policies and protocols will lead to immediate dismissal from class.

* The City of Cambridge issued an emergency order requiring that face masks or coverings be worn in indoor public places. The order took effect at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, September 3, 2021. It applies to everyone over the age of two years old, with exceptions in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.

For the purposes of this order, Indoor Public Places include, but are not limited to:

  • Retail establishments
  • Restaurants & bars – except while actively eating or drinking
  • Performance venues
  • Social clubs
  • Houses of worship
  • Event spaces
  • Municipal buildings
  • Personal care establishments
  • Fitness establishments

**All timing and protocols are subject to change.  CSCA will follow all City, State, and CDC guidelines at all times.

Updated 10/1/2021

Due to the infectious nature of the Delta variant and the rising case and transmission rates in unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals in Massachusetts and across the country, as well as guidance from the CDC, the State and City of Cambridge*, we will be requiring masks to be worn by all CSCA Staff, Students and Vendors regardless of vaccination status.

All staff, instructors, students and vendors, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks while in the kitchens/classrooms except when eating or drinking.
  • Fall/Winter Teen Programs:  Masks will continue to be required regardless of vaccination status until further notice.
  • Adult Recreational Classes and Professional Programs:
    • All Instructors and Staff will be required to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. (Except when eating/drinking).
    • All students will be required to sign a COVID Health Statement and must follow all procedures and protocols during class. Failure to follow policies and protocols will lead to immediate dismissal from class.
  • Enhanced Cleaning and Hygiene protocols will remain intact. (Handwashing, sanitizing, glove use, etc.).

* The City of Cambridge issued an emergency order requiring that face masks or coverings be worn in indoor public places. The order takes effect at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, September 3, 2021. It applies to everyone over the age of two years old, with exceptions in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.

For the purposes of this order, Indoor Public Places include, but are not limited to:

  • Retail establishments
  • Restaurants & bars – except while actively eating or drinking
  • Performance venues
  • Social clubs
  • Houses of worship
  • Event spaces
  • Municipal buildings
  • Personal care establishments
  • Fitness establishments

**All timing and protocols are subject to change.  CSCA will follow all City, State, and CDC guidelines at all times.

Updated 8/9/2021

Changes effective August 11, 2021**

In order to protect our staff and students from the spread of COVID-19, we will be making a change to our current mask policies – effective Wednesday 8/11/21.  Due to the infectious nature of the Delta variant and the rising case and transmission rates in unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals in Massachusetts and across the country, as well as guidance from the CDC, the State and City of Cambridge, we are rolling back to our previous policies regarding masks.

All staff, instructors and students, regardless of vaccination status,  will once again be required to wear masks while in the kitchens/classrooms except when eating or drinking.

  • Summer Teen Programs:  Masks will continue to be required regardless of vaccination status until further notice.
  • Adult Recreational Classes and Professional Programs:
    • All Instructors and Staff will be required to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. (Except when eating/drinking).
    • All students will be required to sign a COVID Health Statement and must follow all procedures and protocols during class.
  • Enhanced Cleaning and Hygiene protocols will remain intact. (Handwashing, sanitizing, glove use, etc.).

*Fully vaccinated is defined as being two weeks past the second Pfizer or Moderna injection, or single J&J injection.
**All timing and protocols are subject to change.  CSCA will follow all City, State, and CDC guidelines at all times.

Updated 6/29/2021

Changes effective July 5, 2021**

  • Summer Teen Programs:  Masks will continue to be required regardless of vaccination status until further notice.
  • Adult Recreational Classes:
    • Fully vaccinated students will not be required to wear masks.
    • Non-Vaccinated or partially-vaccinated students will be required to wear masks at all times (other than eating and drinking).
    • All students will be required to sign a COVID Health Statement and must follow all procedures and protocols during class.
  • Professional and Recreational Classes will return to pre-covid limits.
  • Enhanced Cleaning and Hygiene protocols will remain intact. (Handwashing, sanitizing, glove use, etc.).

As of September 6, 2021**: Proposed “Return to Normal”

  • Face Coverings will no longer be required in the CSCA facility.
  • Face coverings continue to be recommended for students and staff who are immunocompromised and/or not fully vaccinated.
  • Pro Class limits will return to pre-pandemic levels (target of 12 students).
  • Capacity limits for Recreational classes will return to pre-pandemic levels.
  • All pre-pandemic procedures and protocols may return (serving, eating, etc.)
  • Existing Cleaning and Hygiene protocols remain intact. (Handwashing, sanitizing, glove use, etc.).

*Fully vaccinated is defined as being two weeks past the second Pfizer or Moderna injection, or single J&J injection.
**All timing and protocols are subject to change.  CSCA will follow all City, State, and CDC guidelines at all times.

Updated 5/28/2021

As of Tuesday, June 1, 2021**

  • Mandatory Temperature Checks will be discontinued for all programs.
  • Staff, Pro Instructors and Pro Students who are fully vaccinated and comfortable doing so, may discontinue face coverings with proof of vaccination.
  • Face coverings continue to be required for students and staff who are not fully vaccinated or who are unable or unwilling to show proof of vaccination.
  • Pro and Rec Class limits will be raised from 8 students to 10 students.
  • Pre-Pandemic “Family style” eating may return.
  • Face Coverings continue to be required for Recreational Instructors and Students through July 5th.
  • Existing Cleaning and Hygiene protocols remain intact. (Handwashing, sanitizing, glove use, serving, etc.).

As of July 5, 2021**

  •  Fully vaccinated Staff, Pro and Rec students (including teens) will not be required to wear masks.
    • A valid and complete CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Card must be presented.
  • Face coverings continue to be required for students (including teens) and staff who are not fully vaccinated or those that are unable or unwilling to show proof of vaccination.
  • Pro and Rec Class limits will be raised from 10 students to 12 students.
  • Cleaning and Hygiene protocols remain intact. (Handwashing, sanitizing, glove use, etc.).

As of September 6, 2021**: “Return to Normal”

  • Face Coverings will no longer be required in the CSCA facility.
  • Face coverings continue to be recommended for students and staff who are immunocompromised and/or not fully vaccinated.
  • Pro Class limits will return to pre-pandemic levels (target of 12 students).
  • Capacity limits for Recreational classes will return to pre-pandemic levels.
  • All pre-pandemic procedures and protocols may return (serving, eating, etc.)
  • Existing Cleaning and Hygiene protocols remain intact. (Handwashing, sanitizing, glove use, etc.).

*Fully vaccinated is defined as being two weeks past the second Pfizer or Moderna injection, or single J&J injection.
**All timing and protocols are subject to change.  CSCA will follow all City, State, and CDC guidelines at all times.

Updated 5/24/2021

As of 5/29/2021 Massachusetts and the City of Cambridge will be vacating current COVID-19 restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals.  CSCA will announce our updated protocols prior to that date.

Updated 5/11/2021

CSCA encourages all staff and customers to receive the COVID vaccination, when possible. We are proud to report that CSCA currently has over 90% of our staff fully vaccinated!  Please be advised, our protocols – including mask wearing – will remain the same regardless of vaccination status at this time.

Updated 2/11/2021

Our facility is now outfitted with Medify Air Purifiers for added protection.

Updated 12/08/2020

Governor Baker has announced some roll backs to Phase 3, Step 1.  These rollbacks do not affect our operations at this time.  Our current capacity limitations, hygiene and mask protocols will remain in place until further notice.

Updated 11/15/2020

Governor Baker has established some updated protocols to curb the increasing case counts in Massachusetts.  In accordance with these new regulations, we will be setting the ending time for evening recreational classes to 9:30 pm.

Updated 8/12/2020 — Citron Sani-Defense

We are pleased to announce that in addition to our existing cleaning, sanitizing, hygienic and other COVID-19 procedures and protocols, CSCA has partnered with Citron Hygiene for an additional layer of protection. Citron technicians will spray our facility, providing full sanitizing of all kitchens, classrooms and restrooms.

Citron Hygiene’s Sani-Defense minimizes the danger posed by microscopic germs, viruses, and bacteria that can create health hazards for workers and customers.  By using a product that meets EPA’s criteria for use against SARSCoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19, we are taking the steps necessary to protect everyone from harmful microorganisms.

The Sani-Defense Service and formulation will disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces such as floors, walls, metal surfaces, stainless steel surfaces, porcelain, glazed ceramic tile, plastic surfaces, restrooms, and cabinets. Citron Hygiene Technicians use a specialized machine to focus micro-droplets of food-safe disinfectant onto potentially contaminated surface areas.

Updated 7/28/2020 — TRAVEL ORDER

Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has instituted a travel order, effective August 1st, mandating a 14 day quarantine or a negative COVID-19 test result for any travelers coming or returning to Massachusetts from any state outside of New England, New York, New Jersey or Hawaii.  For more information please visit:  https://www.mass.gov/forms/massachusetts-travel-form.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Updated 7/25/2020

To our loyal CSCA Customers,

Exciting News! Per the phased reopening plan of the State of Massachusetts, CSCA is now running classes!

Professional Programs NOW RUNNING!
Pre-Teen Recreational Classes NOW RUNNING!
Teen Recreational Classes NOW RUNNING!
Adult Recreational Classes  NOW RUNNING!
Private Group Classes NOW RUNNING! Book your group now!
CSCA will be following all CDC and MA safety guidelines.  We have implemented enhanced safety procedures to supplement our already rigorous cleaning and hygiene practices.

All Staff and Students will be required to follow the below safety protocols:

All Staff and Students will be required to wear a face covering. (Students are asked to bring their own face covering).
Class sizes will be limited to 9 students or less to allow for social distancing.  (Because 6′ of distancing can be difficult to maintain at all times, we require face coverings to be worn throughout the experience).
All Staff and Students will be subject to a Temperature Check via a contact-less forehead thermometer before entering the facility.  Any individual with an elevated temperature of 100.3 or higher will not be permitted entry into the facility.
Any Staff or Student who is not feeling well and manifesting FLU or COVID like symptoms, such as fever, coughing, shortness of breath, chills, loss of taste or smell, etc. is asked to stay home.
Any Staff or Student who is displaying FLU or COVID like symptoms during class, will be excused for the safety of all participants.
All Staff and Students will be asked to wash or sanitize their hands upon entry into the facility.
Frequent hand washing and sanitizing will be promoted throughout the class.
Safety and Hygiene protocols must be followed by all participants. (Download Below)
All Staff and Students will need to sign a COVID-19 Health Statement. (Download Below)
These protocols will be reviewed and adjusted accordingly as we proceed through the Massachusetts reopening phases.
YOU CAN DOWNLOAD A DETAILED SUMMARY OF OUR SAFETY PROTOCOLS BY PROGRAM BELOW.

We are confident that the above measures will allow for a safe and fun experience for all!

*All Dates subject to change.

Cancellations and Re-Scheduling

All students who were registered for recreational classes cancelled during the COVID crisis will be credited the full amount of their registration to their online CSCA account. This credit may be applied toward any future class of your choice.

If you used a gift certificate to register for a class, the certificate will be restored to the original amount. When you process your next order you will need to enter your gift certificate code once again.  Rest easy, gift certificates and account credits will not expire.

We have posted exciting classes through the end of the year for you to choose from!

We will do our best to respond to inquiries as soon as possible, but due to the closure and subsequent staff furloughs, please allow 5-7 business days for a reply.

We thank you for your patience and understanding as we all navigate through this difficult time.

Be Safe. Be Well. Be Kind.

Coronavirus Resources