March 2021

Water Street Studios Reopening Guidelines:

Water Street Studios: Updated Mask Guidelines

As the pandemic continues to evolve and local caseloads have dropped dramatically, we have an CDC-recommended update regarding masking and operations at Water Street Studios.

  • Masks will no longer be required while in the Water Street Studios building, but are encouraged, especially during group activities like classes or events.

  • Proof of vaccination status or boosters for COVID19 are not required for entry.

  • For individuals with concerns, we recommend wearing N95 or KN95 masks while on site; especially for group activities (such as events or classes). Vaccinations have also been proven to reduce personal risk as well.

Water Street Studios has traditionally set policy based off of CDC guidance regarding COVID protocols.
The CDC has recently changed their guidelines, shifting to a county by county 3-tiered risk level assessment policy, with masks being encouraged at the high stage only.
CDC’s guidance is available here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

Currently, WSS’s Kane County is ranked as low. Additionally, the entire Chicagoland region is also ranked in the “low” tier. Because of the low overall caseload, and improved hospital bed availability, the CDC has assigned our area to a tier that is not recommending masking at this time.
 
After Governor Pritzker’s announcement on February 9th, February 28th was outlined as a rollback date for the mask mandate. At that point, masks were still to be required in schools, as well as potentially enforceable by private businesses. At this time, WSS is opting to follow CDC recommendations.
Illinois Department of Health’s data can be viewed here: https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html
 
As we’ve seen several times over the previous year, cases can spike and the situation can change rapidly. We will continue to monitor cases and guidelines in the future, potentially changing if the situation dictates.

If you have concerns with being around others who are unmasked, I suggest wearing a respirator (N95/KN95) which the CDC has suggested reduces COVID positivity by 83%. Here is a helpful guide on that study:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7106e1.htm

I'd ask that you please remain respectful of other's choices throughout this process. Many artists and members of WSS have elderly or immunocompromised loved ones, and for that reason will continue to mask and maintain social distance even if they themselves do not have a significant health risk. This shift in policy will be a challenge for them, so I ask that we continue to be a supportive and caring community towards others. 
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to:
James Tracy, Executive Director: execdirector@waterstreetstudios.com
Ana Vitek, School of Art Manager: artschool@waterstreetstudios.com

  • Masks can be provided for those in need.  

  • All visitors expected to follow the guidelines and protocols set forth by the CDC.

  • Restrooms and common areas will be disinfected on a regular basis.

  • Class participants must sign a waiver before attending class.  


Please note: All plans are subject to change based on the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control