C.A.R.E.S. Safety Protocol: A Working Plan for Re-Opening CAC

Dear Patrons,

Chesapeake Arts Center (CAC) has been closed for over 10 weeks and, we, like you, are itching to get back to normalcy. We greatly miss working with our students, our colleagues and our artists. Of course, the health and safety of everyone is very important to us. While we are not yet cleared to open our doors, rest assured that we have been diligently working on a plan that allows us to safely offer arts programming once we get the “okay.” Our C.A.R.E.S. (Connecting the Arts Responsibly Everyday Safely) Plan shares new ways of operating that prioritize the health and safety of employees, patrons, our community, and all those we serve.

Our approach was developed in response to the fast-changing conditions presented by Covid-19 and the specific programs CAC delivers to the public in support of our mission. These protocols are significant, necessary changes to CAC classroom practices that promote healthy behaviors and help keep students and CAC staff safe.

This summary document, and the list below, are highlights of a more detailed plan that is still under construction. We will share the entire document with you soon. These guidelines may change in the coming weeks based on updated advice from medical authorities.

A reopening date for CAC is still TBD. We have opened registration for summer classes beginning the week of July 6th and will continue to add to our schedule in a safe, responsible way. We hope to create with you this summer (with 6 ft between us of course!).

-CAC Staff

C.A.R.E.S. Safety Protocol

CLEANING PROTOCOLS

  • Expanded cleaning of CAC classrooms, theatres, restrooms, and hallways.

  • High-quality cleaning products will be used to disinfect all areas of the building on a continual basis.

  • Staff members are positioned to support building operations and cleanliness.

  • Hand sanitizer is provided in every classroom. 

  • All restrooms and commonly-touched areas are wiped down on an ongoing basis.

ENTRANCE/EXIT PROTOCOLS

  • Only students, visitors with an appointment with staff, or visitors coming to see the galleries are admitted to CAC. 

  • The front door to CAC is locked and patrons will be buzzed into the building.

  • Upon entrance to CAC, a staff member will check-in all patrons and record their visit, and remind guests about our new mask guidelines (above).  

  • Patrons should sanitize their hands upon entrance.

MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCE

  • Limit the number of students in each class; adopt social distancing in all classes and maintain 6 feet between all class participants – through spacing between ceramic wheels, desks/tables, specific locations for each dancer in the dance studio, etc.

  • Parents must drop off children at CAC front entrance for classes. Parents may not wait in CAC hallways, but are encouraged to wait in their cars. A safe pick-up process for children is carried out for each class, managed by CAC staff and adhering to social distancing. 
    NEW:  Parents of children ages 5 and under may remain in the building during their child’s class. All other caregivers/parents will check their child in at the front door.   

  • Students must bring their own water bottles to class.

As of March 19, 2022. This document will continue to be expanded/changed based on updated advice from medical authorities.

Education, CAC NewsAshley Lines