Safe Return Plan
Please note: We will continue to monitor new announcements from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the NC Governor’s office for updated Phases, guidance, and recommendations, and we are looking to relax these restrictions as quickly as possible while maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all students, parents, instructors and office staff. (updated March 4, 2021)
Our Safety Protocols
Phase 3 Mask Mandate: updated November 29th, 2020
According to the Governor’s Executive Order released on November 24th, all persons ages 5+ must wear face coverings at all times when inside with people outside their household, even when participating in strenuous exercise, unless exceptions listed below apply. Again, it is also important to note that according to the Governor – Anyone who declines to wear a Face Covering for these exemptions listed below should not be required to produce documentation or any other proof of a condition.
Please stay home if you can answer YES to any of these questions:
- Are you currently experiencing any of the following symptoms: cold symptoms such as headache, cough, congestion, stuffy nose, or loss of taste or smell?
- Are you currently taking any medications for any of the above symptoms?
- Have you knowingly been in contact in the past 14 days with anyone who has tested for positive for COVID?
Phase 2.5 Mandate Update: Face Coverings for Ages 5+
Here is a note from our director regarding the new mandate updated Sept. 8th, 2020.
“According to the Governor’s newest Executive Order 163, the face covering requirement applies to everyone 5 years of age and older. All previous exceptions remain in place, including: any medical or behavioral condition or disability (including, but not limited to, any person who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to put on or remove the Face Covering without assistance); is strenuously exercising, etc. It is also important to note that according to the Governor – Anyone who declines to wear a Face Covering for these reasons should not be required to produce documentation or any other proof of a condition. If you are in an exception category please do not wear a face covering; you will not be asked by AFAA staff to give a reason or provide documentation for the exclusion per the executive order. We are excited that we are operating again and do not wish to see anyone have to miss classes due to COVID so we thank you in advance for adhering to our protocols to stop the spread, and would ask that for the safety of all of our clientele, if you are in an exception category do your very best to remain 6 feet apart from others and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer as often as is appropriate.”
–Jeremy Troxler
Entering & exiting…
Every family will be required to sign our COVID Liability Waiver before beginning classes.
Everyone will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer upon entering the building. Please keep six feet apart at all times.
Everyone ages 5 and up must wear a face covering into the building and in the common areas, unless one of the exceptions below applies. (Students may remove face coverings when actively participating in class activities) **See update above from 11-30-20
Drop off/pick up: Students of all ages may be dropped off and picked up if you prefer to wait in your car or run an errand during class time.
In Waiting Areas…
Office staff will be cleaning shared touch areas in common areas (handrails, doorknobs, etc), as well as the bathrooms, nightly.
Families may wait in designated areas, but we ask that each household remain 6-feet apart from each-other while waiting.
Students who have multiple classes with free time in between will be allowed to wait in the halls as well, but should maintain 6 feet apart while waiting as much as practically possible and wear their face covering.
We ask that there be no shared toys, food, books, etc. while waiting in the hall.
All students are encouraged to carry their own hand sanitizer, and to wash their hands before and after each class.
We will not have cups available for water, and we do not have a water fountain. Students should plan to bring their own water bottle. Personal water bottles may be refilled from the refrigerator water dispenser if needed. We will also have bottled water for sale in the office.
Concessions will be available for purchase in the office.
In Class…
Instructors will be cleaning shared touch areas (ballet bars, art and dance tools, etc.) frequently.
As much as practically possible, students will remain 6 feet apart.
Theatre and Dance families please note: There will be times that it will be necessary for students to come in contact with one another during stage exercises (theatre) and choreography (dance). There will also be times where it is necessary for the instructor to be in contact with the student to correct body position onstage or in dance technique. However, these times will be greatly limited. Instructors will wear masks in these times and use hand sanitizer afterward.
If a Student or Staff Tests Positive…
In the event of a positive COVID test report among someone who has been in the studio, AFAA staff will notify all who were in contact with that individual(s) and affected classes may be temporarily suspended.
Here is a testimonial from one of our parents whose child attended our summer camp this year.
