Staying safe this fall at Oddfellows
We are all eager to get back together in-person to create art, make friends, stretch our limits, and have amazing experiences together, but we know that we are all concerned about safety as well. While we are committed to bringing back our classes and rehearsals in a way that feels as normal as possible, our number one priority is creating a safe environment for our young people, parents, teaching artists and staff.
What we have done:
*We were able to bring the Dean of the Yale School of Public Health in this summer, along with members of the Middletown Health Department, Shoreline Arts Alliance and City Buildings staff, for an hour-long walk through of our facility. They gave us some great advice and resources, and they felt very strongly that this was a very safe facility from a ventilation and space perspective, and that nothing should keep us from opening safely this fall.
*We installed high-volume air purifiers in 3 of our classrooms.
*We have followed the State and City mandates for masks indoors over the past weeks.
*Cleaning protocols have been upgraded.
What we are planning:
*We will be installing a 20’ x 10’ tent in front of the building as a sort of “Parent’s Lobby” for drop off and pick up.
*To minimize the number of people inside our small lobby we will be asking parents to drop off and pick up kids at the front door rather than coming into the building, especially during the peak 4 - 6 pm class times.
*At least initially, masks will be in use inside the building regardless of vaccination status.
*We encourage our staff and teaching artists to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Any unvaccinated staff will be asked to test weekly.
*We ask young people not to attend programs if they are experiencing fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or other possible COVID symptoms.
*High-volume air purification systems will be running in all classroom and rehearsal spaces. While this does not eliminate the risk of COVID spread, we are hopeful that the increased air flow will improve safety for all.
*Hand washing and use of hand sanitizer will be encouraged by all teachers and staff.
*High touch points, common areas and shared equipment will be cleaned and disinfected daily.
We encourage your input and advice as we navigate this complicated time together.
Please feel free to share your thoughts or concerns with staff or reach out directly to Dic Wheeler, the Executive Artistic Director, at (860) 347-6143 or dic@oddfellows.org.
We are all eager to get back together in-person to create art, make friends, stretch our limits, and have amazing experiences together, but we know that we are all concerned about safety as well. While we are committed to bringing back our classes and rehearsals in a way that feels as normal as possible, our number one priority is creating a safe environment for our young people, parents, teaching artists and staff.
What we have done:
*We were able to bring the Dean of the Yale School of Public Health in this summer, along with members of the Middletown Health Department, Shoreline Arts Alliance and City Buildings staff, for an hour-long walk through of our facility. They gave us some great advice and resources, and they felt very strongly that this was a very safe facility from a ventilation and space perspective, and that nothing should keep us from opening safely this fall.
*We installed high-volume air purifiers in 3 of our classrooms.
*We have followed the State and City mandates for masks indoors over the past weeks.
*Cleaning protocols have been upgraded.
What we are planning:
*We will be installing a 20’ x 10’ tent in front of the building as a sort of “Parent’s Lobby” for drop off and pick up.
*To minimize the number of people inside our small lobby we will be asking parents to drop off and pick up kids at the front door rather than coming into the building, especially during the peak 4 - 6 pm class times.
*At least initially, masks will be in use inside the building regardless of vaccination status.
*We encourage our staff and teaching artists to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Any unvaccinated staff will be asked to test weekly.
*We ask young people not to attend programs if they are experiencing fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or other possible COVID symptoms.
*High-volume air purification systems will be running in all classroom and rehearsal spaces. While this does not eliminate the risk of COVID spread, we are hopeful that the increased air flow will improve safety for all.
*Hand washing and use of hand sanitizer will be encouraged by all teachers and staff.
*High touch points, common areas and shared equipment will be cleaned and disinfected daily.
We encourage your input and advice as we navigate this complicated time together.
Please feel free to share your thoughts or concerns with staff or reach out directly to Dic Wheeler, the Executive Artistic Director, at (860) 347-6143 or dic@oddfellows.org.
