Please review this frequently updated list of Webinars and Reopening Guidelines

WEBINARS OF INTEREST

Notable Recorded Webinars

ProBono Partnership
Getting Back to Work: Considerations for Returning to the Workplace After COVID-19 Shut Downs
Though it is still not clear when most nonprofits in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York will be able to open, we know that when they do, it will not be business as usual. Please join us for a complimentary webinar as we discuss some of the issues nonprofits will likely face when they are able to reopen their doors. Topics include: Staffing Considerations; Remote Work; Social Distancing; Safety Protocols; Leaves of Absence/Requests for Time Off; Testing Protocols.

 

Reopening CT Arts Venues Science-Based Safety Series
Dean of the Yale School of Public Health, Dr. Sten Vermund, and his extensive team in the public health sector, offer arts organizations, venues, staff and boards guidance on how to reopen through the lens of public health. This state-wide convening offers clarity and practical advice related to reopening after the COVID 19 pandemic. 

REOPENING GUIDELINES & CT STATE RULES

GENERAL

CT Office of the Arts & CT Arts Alliance:
Arts & Culture Industry Guidelines for Operating During COVID-19
These guidelines are key considerations to help creative organizations make decisions about operations and programming while the pandemic persists. These guidelines are designed to aid organizations as they plan to reopen in accordance with the guidelines of both state and federal government. These guidelines are not intended to be exhaustive or comprehensive in scope and not every consideration will apply to every organization. In addition, we encourage you to use these guidelines as the foundation for your work moving forward. Feel free to adapt to the needs of your specific organization.

CT Department of Economic & Community Development
Small Business Reopening Guide
The guide provides a starting point for resources to help small businesses in the reopening process, and will be updated as new information and guidance become available.

CDC
Reopening Decision Trees

The purpose of this tool is to assist employers in making (re)opening decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to protect vulnerable workers. It is important to check with state and local health officials and other partners to determine the most appropriate actions while adjusting to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community.

Tues. February 16, 2021
Updated Guidelines for Performing Arts Venues
Effective Wed. Feb. 17, performing arts venues may operate at 50% capacity with spacing and can sell concessions/food. This is dependent on continued stability of COVID-19 metrics

LATEST GUIDANCE

Friday November 6, 2020
PULLBACK TO PHASE 2.1
LATEST GUIDANCE

Connecticut is currently in Phase 3: As Connecticut continues taking steps to protect residents from the spread of COVID-19, the state is currently in Phase 3 of its reopening plans, which began on October 8, 2020. Here are the rules the apply in Phase 3.

Effective Friday, November 6, 2020, the entire State of Connecticut will roll back to Phase 2.1: Due to increasing rates of COVID-19 in Connecticut, the entire state will roll back to Phase 2.1 – a slightly modified version of the previously enacted Phase 2 rules – effective at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 6. The major changes that will occur under Phase 2.1 include:

  • Restaurants will reduce to 50 percent capacity with a maximum of 8 people limited to a table;
  • Restaurants and entertainment venues (i.e. bowling allies, movie theaters, arcades, etc.) will be required to close by 9:30 p.m., with the exception of food takeout and delivery services, which will be allowed to continue after 9:30 p.m.;
  • Personal services, such as hair salons and barber shops, will remain at 75 percent capacity;
  • Event venues will be limited to 25 people indoor, 50 people outdoor;
  • Performing arts venues and movie theaters will have a capacity of 100 people; and
  • Religious gatherings will be limited to 50 percent capacity or 100 people maximum.

The governor is expected to soon issue an executive order implementing Phase 2.1, and the Department of Economic and Community Development in the coming days will provide businesses with further guidance on the changes.

NOTE: events previously scheduled to take place prior to November 9 may still take place in accordance with the Phase rules that were in place in their municipality prior to the announcement of Phase 2.1.  Please see here for a list of municipalities who have reverted to Phase 2 election under EO 9G/EO 9J.

 

NEW RULES ON GATHERINGS

July 22 Modifications for Indoor Recreation & Outdoor Gatherings 
While Phase 3 reopening has been delayed, the following Phase 2 modifications were made July 22 for:
Indoor Recreation

Outdoor Gatherings

Neither of these rulings updated the numbers allowed for gatherings effective July 3.

Rules for Library Reopening were also modified and reissued.

MUSEUMS & COLLECTIONS

State of CT Reopening Rules – Phase Two June 17
All businesses subject to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 reopening rules are required to self-certify prior to opening.

American Alliance of Museums
Considerations for Museum Reopenings
The American Alliance of Museums recommends that museums build flexible plans for reopening that are regularly reviewed and refined based on the latest science. This guidance is based on the best available information as of publication and is not intended to supersede guidance from public health officials, medical experts, and federal/state/local governments. Museums are encouraged to seek legal and other expert advice on their specific circumstances.

National Center for Preservation Technology and Training
Cleaning/Disinfecting Historic Surfaces

Indiana Historical Society
Cleaning the Museum

 

Connecticut Libraries
Roadmap to Re-Opening and Recovery
Connecticut’s Libraries have been closed to the public since Covid-19 impacted Connecticut and Governor Lamont issued the “Stay Safe, Stay Home” Executive Order. Most libraries have posted, “Closed until further notice.” We all need to think strategically and plan accordingly about how to return to full service in a safe and healthy manner and in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Orders and local government directives. Libraries should be nimble in their planning and developing of  scenarios in the event of a virus outbreak flare up requiring quick response.

SUMMER CAMPS
Safely Reopening Summer Camps: June 22

THEATRES & VENUES

State of CT Reopening Rules – Phase Two June 17
All businesses subject to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 reopening rules are required to self-certify prior to opening.

 

Event Safety Alliance
Reopening Guide
The Reopening Guide addresses health and sanitary issues that event and venue professionals need to consider in order to protect both patrons and workers. Since there is still insufficient testing, no contact tracing, and no vaccine against COVID-19, this guidance is particularly detailed. The first edition is tailored to be especially useful for event professionals reopening the smallest events with the fewest resources available to mitigate their risks, since in every municipal reopening plan these will be allowed to reopen first.

 

American Repertory Theater/Harvard School of Public Health
Roadmap to Recovery
This roadmap is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It outlines factors to consider regarding the general operation of theaters in an effort to reduce the risk of disease transmission, specifically novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes, COVID-19. The roadmap is not intended as a set of directions. Each theater’s situation is different. Each will need to devise its own plan, based on its particular circumstances and informed by applicable governmental and public health regulations and guidance, other resources and information, and expert advice specific to its situation.

Actors Equity
Four Core Principles Needed to Support Safe and Healthy Theatre Productions
Producing live theatre requires close physical contact that increases risk of transmission among performers, musicians, theater staff and depending on the venue, the audiences. With rare exceptions, theatre performers cannot utilize the most effective forms of disease prevention – physical distancing and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) – to protect themselves from COVID-19.

The source of COVID-19 exposure is individuals infected with the virus. The objective should be that no one involved in the production (and ideally no one in the audience) is infectious. While it is difficult to ensure that no individuals who are shedding virus enter the theater, source elimination must be a primary component of any exposure prevention effort. The success of this approach will depend on development and application of new technologies, improved understanding of the disease and immunity and the state of case tracking and disease prevention in the community. All of these three are improving, but none are at the point where it could be said they are adequate.

Equity is working on a comprehensive program to ensure the safety of its members and others involved in theatre production. However, given the inevitability of members being in close proximity to each other, other workers and audience members, there are a series of considerations that need to be addressed before it will be safe to mount theatrical performances. Presented below are several general considerations that must be addressed before theatrical productions can be launched safely. Once a specific production is being contemplated, extensive additional work will need to be done to further minimize risk of exposure. Actors’ Equity continues to work on recommendations in this area.

 

 

 

Celebrating passion for the arts and dedication to education