PATH WITH ART GENERAL COVID-19 POLICY & GUIDELINES

Updated: June 20, 2023

Much has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic forced many of us into remote life more than three years ago. Path with Art’s topmost priority has always been to provide a safe space to all of its community members. Throughout the pandemic, we closely monitored and reviewed our definition of a safe space to protect the most vulnerable in our community. 

After extensive communications and feedback from Staff, Teaching Artists, Participant Artists, and Creative Mentors and larger community in recent months, we have adopted the following policies and guidelines. Please note that our community has strong feelings when it comes to the COVID policy at Path with Art (and we do not all agree).

Local, state, federal and World Health Organization guidelines–combined with community input–informed our policy, which is:  

  • Proof of vaccination is no longer required to participate in PwA programming or events

  • As of July 1, 2023, masks will no longer be required in the ArtHOME or at PwA-sponsored programming and events. Masking is optional and we support any and all that prefer to continue masking.

    • KN95 masks will continue to be available at the ArtHOME.

  • If you are experiencing any COVID-like or flu-like symptoms, please refrain from attending in-person programs and events until your symptoms are resolved (see more information below about screening guidelines).


Please note that changes may occur to this policy as related health guidance evolves. Should you have concerns or feedback to share with regard to this policy change, please contact info@pathwithart.org.

We remain grateful to you, our community, for trusting and sticking with us throughout all that has faced us in the past few years. We would not be able to continue serving our community and carrying out our mission without your help, support, and participation.

ACCOMMODATION

Participants in PwA programs who have a serious medical condition may ask that their program request masking via an accommodation to program@pathwithart.org. In this instance, Program Staff will outreach the Teaching Artist, Creative Mentors, and fellow Participants to request all mask for the duration of the class. Please note Path with Art cannot guarantee everyone in your class will follow this request.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

When planning and/or attending a Path with Art official event or gathering, please consider the following to align with our values: 

  • Treat each person with dignity and respect as you keep in mind that you may not know (or need to know) someone’s health, religion, or any other factors that may or may not impact their vaccination status and/or other health conditions.

  • Foster belonging and community, and remember that language and engagement matter in how you phrase who is included or excluded in an event or even parts of an event. 

Please follow the screening guidelines from King County listed here regarding when and how long you should stay home depending on symptoms and close contact with someone with COVID-19. As with any illness, if you’re feeling unwell, have lost your sense of taste or smell, or have any other symptoms associated with COVID-19, please stay home. Additionally, if you have been in known contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 or exposed to COVID-19 hot spots, please stay at home. Path with Art will notify the respective class(es) or workshop(s) if someone has tested positive for COVID-19 in that program and provide additional rapid antigen tests as needed.

COVID-19 FACTS, FAQS, AND RESOURCES

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death and significantly reduce the risk of people spreading COVID-19. However, the CDC is still learning how well they prevent you from spreading COVID-19 to others, even if you do not have symptoms, how long the vaccines protect people, and how effective they are against new variants that cause COVID-19.

  • Where can I get vaccinated for COVID-19? 

    • You can contact your primary care provider and you can look up the nearest vaccine provider near you here.

  • What is a face mask?

    • A face mask is a type of face covering with a more specific shape that contours the nose, mouth and head, and uses ear straps. 

  • Will Path with Art provide face masks?

    • Yes, KN95 face masks will be provided at Path with Art and at all official Path with Art event and programs through December 2023.

  • If I’m vaccinated, can I still wear a face mask?

    • Yes. Anyone is welcome to continue wearing a face mask at any time.