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How to Reopen your COVID-19 SAFE Dance Studio
Sep
How to Reopen your COVID-19 SAFE Dance Studio
Maintaining a COVID-19 Safe Dance Studio
This is a task that requires careful planning and being aware of the governing laws of your state and abiding by those laws and practices. We have gathered some really good tips from a variety of sources such as Ausdance, StageStep, as well as various governmentsites, and would like to share them with you!
Contact Tracing: Keep accurate rolls for all classes and staff. As children generally do not have phones, the COVID Safe App will not provide tracing information in the event of aCOVID-19 case at your studio. Ensure accurate rolls are kept for anyone who enters the facility for more than 15 minutes.
Masks: Each state will have recommendations for the wearing of masks. These rules change as the threat increases or decreases, it is your responsibility to keep abreast of the current rules as they apply to your state. The WHO, World Health Organisation website, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel- coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks has some useful and current information, particularly in the Mythbusters section which states, “People should NOT wear masks when exercising, as masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably.
Sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms. The important preventive measure during exercise is to maintain physical distance of at least one metre from others.”
Hand sanitizer: Everyone coming into and going out of the studio should use hand sanitizer. Consider reapplying once or twice during class, perhaps at the end of barre work.
Social distancing: Limit the number of people in your facility at any one time to comply with current state gathering limits. Decide how this will be monitored and enforced, and communicate this to parents. It is encouraged that parents drop and go.
We have all heard of staying 1.5m apart, but when you are dancing, you may need to remain 3m apart, as exertion causes heavier breathing.Staying1.8mapartisacceptableat the ballet barre. Refrain from partner work, unless with members of the same household, and limit use of shared equipment such a barres, props, etc
Consider scheduling a 5 or 10 minute cross over time period between classes so students can leave the premises, before the next group comes in, to adhere to gathering limits and avoid crowding at check in points.
Disinfect all surfaces: Clean the floors once or twice a day. Sanitize ballet barres, doorknobs, light switches, and all surfaces dancers and teachers may touch before and after all classes.
Develop regular cleaning and waste management protocols and communicate these clearly with staff, adhering to the “Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Principles” outlined by the Dept. of Health: http://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/environmental-cleaning-and-disinfection- principles-for-covid-19.pdf
Turn off water fountains and encourage students to bring their own water bottles from home.
Develop your procedure for lock down and deep cleaning in the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case at your studio.
Encourage all staff to undergo the free COVID-19 Infection Control Training from the Department of Health: http://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-infection-control-training
General Health Considerations: Implement a health policy where no staff or student are to come to the studio if they have any COVID-19 like symptoms. If they are a suspected COVID-19 case, notify them that they must self-isolate and seek testing in accordance with state or territory guidelines.
Staff or students at the studio experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 should be isolated in an appropriate space with suitable supervision, and collected by a parent/carer as soon as possible.
We want to help the current situation in any way we can. This is one of the reasons we have chosen Ramsol disinfectant sanitiser spray.
This contains active ingredients, specifically designed for the cleansing and disinfecting of hard and soft surfaces. This product deals rapidly and effectively with an extensive list of bacteria, including, but not limited to: Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA or Golden Staph), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E.coli, Enterococcus, Faecalis (VRE), Acinetobacter, Salmonella choleraesuis, Acetobacter, Proteus vulgaris, Psaeruginosa, Saureus and Styphosa.
We also have VIRA SAN, a specially formulated non-corrosive Hospital Grade Disinfectant sanitiser, which is effective in deactivating viruses at their core. VIRA SAN has been proven to kill COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) in 60 seconds. TGA Approved for COVID-19 claim (ARTG No. 340431).
Therapeutic Goods Administration,Containing hydrogen peroxide in safe levels, VIRA SAN is proven and effective in mitigating the threat of germs, viruses and a range of bacteria. Safe to use on most surfaces such as metal, glass or plastic and into hard to reach crevices. Ideal to disinfect and sanitise hard surfaces such as seating, armrests, tray tables, galley and bathroom surfaces, counter tops, tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, taps and sinks.
VIRA SAN is a hard surface disinfectant that can either be sprayed onto a surface or be used in a ULV cold fogger to disperse throughout a room or designated area. Simply use the product undiluted and allow the machine to disperse solution evenly throughout the designated area. Always refer to the SDS before use, and note this product should not be heated.
Available from STM Studio Supplies in 5L $57.20 inc gst 500ml Pump $16.24 inc gst As well as 1 L Wendy Wipe Solution $16.50 inc gst
Extra Resources and Sources
COVID-19 Information for workplaces:
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces
Safe Work Australia COVID 19 Resource Kit: http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/collection/covid-19- resource-kit
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee latest advice: https://www.health.gov.au/committees-and-groups/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee recommended special provisions for vulnerable people in the workplace: http://www.health.gov.au/news/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc-advice-to-national-cabinet-on-30-march-2020
Re-opening considerations of fitness facilities in Australia https://fitness.org.au/articles/business-news/re-opening-considerations-of-fitness-facilities-in- australia/30/2048
