Hello/hola, esteemed colleagues:

On February 25, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an update in which they stated that, despite the coronavirus being detected within the U.S., the virus is not spreading throughout the country. The CDC is reporting that the risk to the general American public remains low.

In Asia and Europe, public gatherings including performances, museums and festivals have been cancelled and shuttered to help limit the spread of the Coronavirus.

https://hyperallergic.com/544292/coronavirus/?mc_cid=349579d04f&mc_eid=1a076dfc12

While the spread and impact of the virus here in the U.S. is not yet known, you should have a plan in the event that, in the interest of public health, your organization needs to delay or cancel events or temporarily close. In addition to a central hub of updated information, the CDC has posted guidance for businesses and employers: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

CDC encourages organizations to stay in contact with state and local health agencies for guidance specific to your location. On a bigger scale, here’s the WHO post on mass gatherings: https://www.who.int/publications-detail/key-planning-recommendations-for-mass-gatherings-in-the-context-of-the-current-covid-19-outbreak

As a best practice for overall health in cold and influenza season, the CDC recommends that individuals receive the influenza vaccination and engage in everyday, preventive measures to prevent the spread of germs and avoid illness, such as:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick. The CDC recommends that individuals remain home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever (i.e., chills, feeling warm, flushed appearance).
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately discard the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Take any anti-viral medication prescribed to you as instructed.

Additional information for the U.S. is available on the CDC website.

CDC COVID-19 Webpage
CDC Communication Print and Video Resources: (in English with some translated into Spanish and Chinese)
CDC FAQ: (in English, Spanish and Chinese)

As we learn more or have more information to share, we will distribute via the listserv. If you have any actions you are taking, please share with the group.

Ruby

____________________

Ruby Lopez Harper

Senior Director of Local Arts Advancement

Americans for the Arts

1000 Vermont Ave NW 6^th Floor

Washington, DC 20005-4940

202.371.2830 x2079

202.789.2830 fax

www.AmericansForTheArts.org

Follow me: Twitter

Pronouns: she/her/hers