COVID-19 Update
Dear Members of the ACH Clear Pathways Community:
The following is an update to the ACH Clear Pathways response to the COVID-19 crisis, following the latest order of Governor Wolf on July 1, 2020.
ACH Clear Pathways’ top priority is the safety and security of our participants, staff, community partners, and guests so that we can continue to provide the arts education and facility experience they expect and deserve. The decisions we make are to keep our people and our facility safe and to preserve as much as possible its use as a community asset.
Pursuant to the latest order signed by the Secretary of Health, on July 1, 2020, masks must be worn whenever anyone leaves home. In following that mandate, signs have been posted on all entry doors to the ACH Kaufmann Center. This order applies to all employees, visitors, and vendors. No one will be admitted if not wearing a mask.
Most employees of ACH have returned to on-site work; however, some employees may request to work remotely. All determinations regarding employee work arrangements shall be made by the executive director. As of today’s, date, there have been no reports of Covid-19 among the staff of ACH Clear Pathways. We will continue to be vigilant in mitigating the virus by social distancing, mask-wearing, hand washing, and cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces.
After School Arts Program / Creative Camp
Since Allegheny County moved into the green phase and by order of the Governor, “Elementary…schools in the state’s yellow and green phases may resume in-person instruction and activities beginning July 1 under a phased reopening approach.” In an abundance of caution for our children and the community, ACH is conducting its business as follows:
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The ACH Clear Pathways Creative Camp will operate virtually effective June 22 through August 1, 2020. This action will be measured due to COVID-19 to keep our children safe during the Summer months.
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The determination of whether there will be in-person after school programming, for the school year 2020-2021, will be made following the determinations of the local school districts and the state mandates.
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ACH stands committed to providing continual programming to our community members, whether virtually or in-person.
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Anyone entering the site of ACH, whether parent, community member, vendor or otherwise, will be subjected to a wellness check by having their temperature taken with a “no-touch” thermometer.
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The Kaufmann Center Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium has begun accepting reservations for events. Although we are in the green phase of reopening, Governor mandated temporary shutdowns may occur. All operations will follow state and local mandates. In the event of such shutdowns, your event may be rescheduled.
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Our maintenance team has enhanced its usual cleaning practices to address hygiene in high-use areas. This includes an increased frequency of and enhanced sanitization and cleaning of all surfaces and touchpoints.
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ACH Clear Pathways will follow CDC guidelines for implementing mitigation strategies in the workplace by following the recommendations of both the CDC and OSHA.
Construction
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Beginning May 1, 2020, all businesses in the construction industry in the Commonwealth, including those in new construction, renovation, and repair…are permitted to maintain in-person operations. On July 3, 2020, the construction phase to the renovations of the ACH Clear Pathways Kaufmann Center officially began. Massaro, our construction firm, has followed and continues to follow all guidance issued by state and local regulations.
As you are aware, this is a complex, challenging, and fluid crisis that continues to evolve rapidly. Accordingly, all guidelines are subject to change and/or extension as deemed necessary by ACH Clear Pathways leadership. We are actively engaged in monitoring and responding to this crisis daily to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of the ACH Clear Pathways community. Be assured we will continue to keep you apprised of the situation through our usual communication channels, social media, and our website.
In the meantime, we encourage you to continue to follow CDC guidelines to protect your health and others by taking the following steps:
• Clean your hands often
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. Stay home if you’re sick
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Cover coughs and sneezes
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Wear a facemask if you are sick
• If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply, and they should be saved for caregivers. Clean and disinfect
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water before disinfection.
Know the symptoms of COVID-19!
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Fever—Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher should not be at work.
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Chills
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Muscle pain or body aches
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Headache or confusion
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Difficulty staying awake or waking up
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Cough
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Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. May have bluish lips or face
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Congestion or runny nose
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Sore throat
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New loss of taste or smell
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Nausea or vomiting
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Diarrhea
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.