Posted: 12 March 2020
As a cultural organization that deeply values the well-being of our community, the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery has been closely observing the development of COVID-19 and ensuring we take all reasonable measures to protect our visitors, staff and volunteers.
At the time of this statement, the risk of contracting the virus within Waterloo Region remains low. Our efforts to mitigate its spread are guided by the research and recommendations provided by Region of Waterloo Public Health, Ontario’s Ministry of Health, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
KWAG is sustaining our regular Gallery hours and will continue to offer all scheduled programs and events, including next week’s Art Escape March Break Camp. In addition to heeding the advice of local, provincial, and federal health authorities, we have enacted the following precautionary measures:
- All KWAG staff have been advised and encouraged to stay home if experiencing any symptoms of coronavirus
- Hand sanitizer liquid and tissues are available in our lobby for visitors, and all washrooms are fully equipped with anti-bacterial hand-washing supplies at all times
- Frequently-used surfaces such as door handles, telephones, work surfaces, tables, and chairs are cleaned and sanitized with increased frequency
- Staff and volunteers are reviewing and practicing protocols to ensure safe engagement and interaction with all visitors
To support these efforts to prevent transmission at the Gallery, we encourage all visitors to monitor your symptoms, especially if you have recently traveled from other countries, and stay home if experiencing coronavirus symptoms such as cough, fever and shortness of breath.
We encourage all our visitors to practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette at this time. Everyday actions can help prevent the spread of germs and viruses like COVID-19:
- Wash your hands often with warm water and soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Avoid shaking hands and other close contact
- Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Visitors are advised to check our website and social media channels, where we will provide notice of any closures or cancellations should further measures become necessary. If you have any concerns about Gallery operation at this time, please contact us directly at info@kwag.on.ca.