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Picture of empty stage with a film camera in the left hand corner. There are stage lights shining on the stage on the left hand side is a deep blue light and on the right side is a purple colour.
Moving Pictures
February 17, 2022
QAACuterie
February 24, 2022

NaAC COVID19 Safety Protocols – Updated February 17, 2022

Categories
  • National accessArts Centre
Tags
  • calgary
  • covid19
  • omicron
  • performingarts
  • protocols
  • reopening
  • safety
  • socialdistancing
  • vaccination
  • visualarts

As the National accessArts Centre continues to navigate everyone’s safety during the pandemic, and in light of current Omicron case numbers and the persistence of this particular variant, we wanted to share some adjustments we have made to our safety protocols.

These changes will go into effect immediately, except where a specific date has been indicated. Please contact Kylie at 403-253-3174 ext. 0 if you have any questions. We encourage you to sign up for our newsletters and follow us on social media as well for more about what’s happening at our centre.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – Updated January 14, 2022
Is the NaAC still open?

Yes! We are hosting both in-person and online programming. Our rigorous safety protocols and your commitment to safety have played a critical part in allowing us to serve the majority of our artists in a live setting.

Is the NaAC still checking for vaccinations?

Until March 1, we are still checking for at least the first two vaccinations. After March 1, we will no longer be checking for vaccinations. 

The NaAC will no longer require visitors to have obtained a third vaccination or booster shot by March 31.

Why is the NaAC dropping their vaccine requirements?

There are several factors we considered in dropping our requirements:

  1. The province is reported to eventually cancel their QR Code scanning app.
  2. Our staff are 100% vaccinated as are all artists attending in-person as of February 17, 2022
  3. *The Omicron virus continues to spread rapidly and health care professionals have indicated it may be best to delay receiving a booster after testing positive.

*We are not health care professionals and do not provide this information with any authority – please see your doctor for advice on what’s best for you.

If the NaAC will no longer check for vaccinations after March 1 why are you keeping the rest of your safety protocols in place?

We are not out of the woods yet! Despite what the province is doing, the NaAC is the only place some of our vulnerable artists visit outside their home. That vulnerability keeps them at risk and also places our staff at risk. Everyone currently in attendance at the NaAC is vaccinated. While that particular restriction will be relaxed, we are committed to maintaining a safe environment for those that need us to.

I haven’t had my booster shot yet, can I still come in person?

Yes. Until March 1, you must be able to show proof of at least the first two vaccinations. The NaAC will no longer require visitors to show proof of 3 vaccinations.

I am medically exempt from having the vaccinations. Can I still come to your centre?

As of March 1, yes.

I am not planning to have the vaccinations but I am not medically-exempt. Can I still come to your centre

As of March 1, yes.

How do I provide proof of my vaccinations?

Until March 1, proof must be obtained from the QR code provided by Alberta Health Services.  After March 1, proof will no longer be required.

Can I just send you a picture of my vaccination proof or bring the paperwork?

No – we can only accept the Alberta Health Services QR code as proof of vaccinations.

What will you do with my vaccine information?

If you are a registered artist or a regular visitor (e.g. support worker; volunteer) we only need to see it once and we will mark our records that you have met this requirement. Non regular visitors will be required to show it for each visit. We will not record any details of what vaccinations you received or when.

Do I have to show you my proof of vaccination every time I come?

No. For those who attend regularly, or somewhat regularly, you are only required to show proof of your vaccinations once. For infrequent visits you may request we list you in our database or you may show us acceptable proof of vaccination each time you enter.

Is the NaAC is going to re-open all of its in-person sessions?

As previously, our ultimate goal is to re-open all of our in-person sessions once we are safely able to do so. At this time, the NaAC will continue with its modified in-person schedule and online programming. We are closely monitoring the situation and will expand our in-person capacity once we feel it is safe to do so. We recommend all artists and their support networks follow us social media where they can keep abreast of any changes.

What if I am vaccinated but I don’t want to come to in-person sessions?

This is entirely up to you. We are happy to have you attend our online Zoom sessions instead of attending in person if that is your preference. We encourage all online artists to contact Kylie at 403-253-3174 ext. 0 if they are having difficulties connecting; have no device; have questions about how they can stay creatively active; have ideas on how the NaAC can help you to keep on creating. We’re here to help and we simply want you to keep practicing your art!

I am not vaccinated at all, does this mean I can attend in-person now?

After March 1, unvaccinated artists and supports will be able to attend in person if we have an in-person spot available. If you have been attending online, please contact Kylie at 403-253-3174 ext. 0 to let her know that you wish to return to in-person. We cannot guarantee when this will happen but we will place a note in your file that you wish to do so.

Will I still be billed if I only attend online?

Yes. All registered artists will continue to be billed for all spots they are registered to. In-person session spots are billed for the day/time you attend in-person and Zoom sessions are unlimited and only billed as one spot.

If you do not wish to attend in-person or online but have not let us know you will continue to be billed. If neither option works for you, please ensure you send us a written request to cancel your registration. All cancellations require 30 days’ notice.

I only need to enter your facility one time; does it matter if I am vaccinated or not?

Until March 1 only vaccinated individuals will be able to enter our facility. After March 1, the NaAC will no longer be checking for proof of vaccination.

Will artists/families/guardians/supportive roommates/agencies be notified if a member the NaAC community tests positive for COVID 19 or is asked to self-isolate?

We will notify the homes of artists who were physically on-site and in the vicinity of individuals, we have been informed of being positive for COVID or a close contact as specifically defined by Alberta Health Services. We will not share the names or any personal details of any individual.

If an artist has COVID, has recently recovered from COVID, has travelled or has plans to travel, will they be asked to self-isolate prior to attending the NaAC? What about employees?

Isolation and no-contact periods are changing frequently as health officials learn more about this virus and how it affects vaccinated vs non-vaccinated people. If you test positive for COVID or have traveled or have experienced a close contact, please call Kyle at 403-253-3174 ext. 0 immediately so she can advise you of next steps. At all times, all individuals should comply with the legal requirements set forth by the government and health officials. The same protocols apply to both employees and the public

 

Please note that due to the vulnerability of our community, the NaAC reserves the right to increase no-contact times for its site.

What proactive actions is NaAC taking to reduce the risk of COVID-19?

The health and safety of employees and artists remains our top priority. We continue to employ our stringent sanitization and safety protocols and to adapt as necessary due to the changing pressures of the pandemic

To maintain maximum levels of cleanliness, we are:

  • Enforcing proper and continuous mask usage and no longer allowing non-woven masks to be worn at our facility.
  • Sanitizing all surfaces, handles, tools, etc. several times a day.
  • Increasing and encouraging proper hand washing protocols.
  • Making sanitizer available throughout the building.
  • Operating on both levels of our building to promote social distancing instead of having all artists grouped together in the main studio.
  • Discouraging physical connections with other humans (no hand shakes, hugs, etc.)
  • Maximizing the distance between artists and employees required to work in the same space.
  • Using protective acrylic shields in all spaces where people are required to sit at the same table.
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The National accessArts Centre.

8038 Fairmount Drive SE
Calgary, Alberta T2H 0Y1
(403) 253.3174 | info@accessarts.ca

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 9AM to 3:30PM

NaAC Won Lee Community Arts Hub*
1594 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario M6R 1A8
*Under Development

Thank you to our partners
Charitable Registration Number
887407195RR0001

Supporting sponsor.

How to contact NaAC.

GENERAL INQUIRIES
Kylie Poppe: Coordinator, Artist Services
(403) 253.3174 x 0 | info@accessarts.ca

MEDIA INQUIRIES
Jung-Suk (JS) Ryu: President and CEO
(403) 253.3174 x 1 | js.ryu@accessarts.ca

PDD/PROGRAM INQUIRIES
Heather Jones: Senior Manager, Operations
(403) 253.3174 x 3 | heather.jones@accessarts.ca

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