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COVID-19 Statement from the Ashokan Center

Updated 3/19/2020

The Ashokan Center is officially closed through the end of May, 2020. We are actively monitoring the situation and will adjust our re-opening date as necessary. For our cancelled events we offer a full refund of registration or ticket fees. Spring Music & Dance Camps have been rescheduled for 2021. Participants can cancel now for a full refund or remain registered for next spring. As this greatly impacts our ability to meet our expenses and maintain even a reduced staff, we are grateful to anyone who is able to donate all or part of their refund. 

We will update this page and alert on-site attendees to any new information or safety procedures. As a caring community we encourage everyone to stay informed, take precautions, and look out for one another. 

 

Some helpful recommendations:

WHO  / CDC  / Canadian Public Health  / State Health Department 

A dance-specific article of interest:

We encourage everyone—U.S. residents and Canadian residents alike—to read this article13

 

When we re-open our campus we will be abiding by the following protocol:

Ashokan Employees

  • All employees are required to wash their hands vigorously with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, after using the restroom and immediately before entering the dining hall at mealtime.  In addition, they are strongly encouraged to practice frequent handwashing throughout the day and keep their hands away from their mouth, nose, and eyes.
  • Coughing/sneezing must be done into the crook of the arm and followed by handwashing.
  • Any employee exhibiting a fever and/or any symptoms of respiratory illness or shortness of breath will be required to stay home.
  • Keyboards, phones, etc. must be cleaned on a regular basis using sanitizing wipes
  • No sharing of utensils, water bottles, etc.
  • Kitchen personnel are required to wash their hands vigorously with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, before handling food, utensils, etc. 
  • Kitchen personnel must wear single use gloves whenever handling food, utensils and/or equipment
  • All kitchen utensils, service ware, etc. are sterilized to health department specifications.

General Cleaning

  • We sanitize frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, light switches, press bars, water fountain, railings, frequently throughout the day.
  • Tables and benches in the dining room are cleaned and sanitized after each use
  • Air sanitizers are used frequently throughout the day in all public spaces.
  • All public restrooms are cleaned and sanitized several times a day. 
  • All lodging is cleaned and sanitized 1-2x daily 
  • We sanitize all board games, sports equipment, and sound equipment before and after use.
  • All Ashokan vehicles will be cleaned and sanitized before and after use
    • Products being used
      • Lysol, sterifab and PRO5
        • Lysol and Pro5 are on the CDC website. Sterifab is a viricide, fungicide, mildewcide, germicide, deodorant, bactericide, and insecticide.
      • Single use gloves are used at all times when cleaning
      • Hand sanitizer (minimum 60% alcohol) is available in all buildings

Visiting School Groups

  • School groups are required to wash their hands vigorously with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, after using the restroom and immediately before entering the dining hall at mealtime.  In addition, they are strongly encouraged to practice frequent handwashing throughout the day and keep their hands away from their mouth, nose, and eyes.
  • Coughing/sneezing must be done into the crook of the arm and followed by handwashing. Anyone who shows evidence of a respiratory ailment, or shortness of breath should not participate in school trips.
  • Anyone with a fever of 99.5 or greater, or any symptoms of respiratory illness or shortness of breath will be isolated from the group. Students will remain under the supervision of a teacher, and their parent or guardian will be called to take them home.
  • No sharing of utensils, water bottles, etc.

 

Retreats, Weddings, Public Events

  • All visitors are strongly encouraged to vigorously wash their hands with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, after using the restroom and immediately before entering the dining hall at mealtime. In addition, they are strongly encouraged to practice frequent handwashing throughout the day and keep their hands away from their mouth, nose, and eyes.
  • Coughing/sneezing must be done into the crook of the arm and followed by handwashing.
  • Anyone who shows evidence of a respiratory ailment, or shortness of breath should not participate in retreats, camps, etc. 
  • No sharing of utensils, water bottles, etc.