COVID-19 Community Health Worker (CHW) Outreach Initiative

At Casa0101, the health and safety of our guests, staff, and performers is our top priority. We are taking extra precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne infections by following guidelines from public health authorities and industry organizations. The theater community has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic and we want to ensure the safety of everyone involved in our productions. Our approach includes preventative measures to control infectious diseases and will be adjusted as new guidelines are issued. Together, we can keep our community safe and healthy.

A Modeled Approach to Mitigating the Spread of COVID-19 and Other Airborne Infections:

What Casa0101 is Doing:

PPE and N95 Masks:

Training and Instruction

Screening Protocols:

Cleaning and Disinfection Procedure and Policy

Frequently Asked Questions:

Visiting Casa0101:

Attending Casa0101’s Classes and Workshops:

Waiting in the Lobby/Gallery:

Recommended Self Screening for Infectious Diseases

What happens if you test positive?

Submitting Test Results or Additional Questions About These Protocols:

The COVID-19 epidemic has had a devastating impact on the country. Tens of thousands of people have been killed by the virus, many more sickened and more than a million people infected. The theater community has also felt the pain of the epidemic. Actors’ Equity Association is eager to reopen theatrical productions but should only permit this to happen, consistent with its collective bargaining agreements, when the safety of members and everyone else involved in producing theater for the public can be protected. Producing live theater requires close physical contact that increases risk of transmission among performers, musicians, theater staff and depending on the venue, the audiences. With rare exceptions, theater performers cannot utilize the most effective forms of disease prevention – physical distancing and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) – to protect themselves from COVID-19.

As we navigate the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to have robust plans and protocols in place to protect the health and safety of everyone in our theatrical facilities. That’s why we’re introducing a new approach to controlling infectious diseases, which focuses on preventative measures that can be applied to a wide range of communicable illnesses.

This approach is meant to be preventative for many infectious diseases that are common in theatrical facilities. Although the primary concerns of course focus on diseases declared as public health emergencies (COVID, monkeypox/MPX, etc.), the controls in place for those public health emergency diseases would, in turn, help alleviate concerns of other communicable diseases (flu, common cold, staph infection, etc.). For example, with COVID being an airborne virus, controls (such as great ventilation, symptom monitoring, etc) in place to help prevent COVID in the workplace will also help prevent flu in the workplace. Another example would be sufficient, regular costume cleaning; this could help prevent both MPX and staph infection spread.

Please note that these policies and procedures are subject to change as the situation evolves and new guidelines are issued by public health authorities. We will continue to monitor the situation and update our protocols as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests, staff, and performers

A Modeled Approach to Mitigating the Spread of COVID-19 and Other Airborne Infections:

These protocols list multiple methods of mitigating the spread of Covid-19. There are many layers implemented as no single defense is fully effective. The collective policies in this document form a Swiss Cheese Model of best practices and safeguards. 

• We have made significant improvements to our HVAC system, including increased filtration and ventilation, to improve air quality and reduce the spread of airborne infections.
• We have implemented screening protocols for all guests, staff, and performers, including temperature checks and symptom screenings.
• We have reinforced proper handwashing and sanitizing procedures to reduce the spread of germs.
• We have provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and N95 masks to our staff and performers, and encouraged the use of masks by our guests and visitors.

What Casa0101 is Doing:

HVAC Improvements and Increased Filtration: We have made significant improvements to our HVAC system to improve air quality and reduce the spread of airborne fections. This includes increased filtration and ventilation, as well as regular cleaning and maintenance of the system.

Handwashing and Sanitizing: We have reinforced proper hand washing and sanitizing procedures, including providing hand sanitizer throughout the building and encouraging frequent handwashing.

PPE and N95 Masks: 

We provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and (k)N95 masks to our staff and performers, and strongly encourage the use of masks by our guests and visitors.

Employees required to wear face coverings in our workplace may remove them under the following conditions:

• When an employee is alone in a room or a vehicle.
• While eating or drinking at the workplace, provided employees are at least six feet apart and outside air supply to the area, if indoors, has been maximized to the extent feasible. 
• Employees are required to wear respirators in accordance with our respirator program that meets section 5144 requirements.
• Employees who cannot wear face coverings due to a medical or mental health condition or disability, or who are hearing-impaired or communicating with a hearing-impaired person will wear an effective, non-restrictive alternative, such as a face shield with a drape on the bottom, if their condition permits it.
• Specific tasks that cannot feasibly be performed with a face covering. This exception is limited to the time in which such tasks are being performed. Such as performing on stage for audiences.
• Any employee not wearing a required face covering or allowed non-restrictive alternative, will be at least six feet apart from all other persons unless the unmasked employee is either fully vaccinated or tested at least weekly for COVID-19.
• We will not prevent any employee from wearing a face covering when it is not required unless it would create a safety hazard, such as interfering with the safe operation of equipment.
• Face coverings will also be provided to any employee that requests one, regardless of their vaccination status.

Training and Instruction

We provide effective employee training and instruction that includes:

• Our COVID-19 policies and procedures to protect employees from COVID-19 hazards, and how to participate in the identification and evaluation of COVID-19 hazards.
• Information regarding COVID-19-related benefits (including mandated sick and vaccination leave) to which the employee may be entitled under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
• The fact that:
  • COVID-19 is an infectious disease that can be spread through the air.
  • COVID-19 may be transmitted when a person touches a contaminated object and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • An infectious person may have no symptoms.
• The fact that particles containing the virus can travel more than six feet, especially indoors, so physical distancing, face coverings, increased ventilation indoors, and respiratory protection decrease the spread of COVID-19 and are most effective when used in combination.
• The right of employees that are not fully vaccinated to request a respirator for voluntary use, without fear of retaliation, and our policies for providing the respirators. Employees voluntarily using respirators will be trained according to section 5144(c)(2) requirements:
  • How to properly wear them.
  • How to perform a seal check according to the manufacturer’s instructions each time a respirator is worn, and the fact that facial hair can interfere with a seal.
• The importance of frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and using hand sanitizer when employees do not have immediate access to a sink or hand washing facility, and that hand sanitizer does not work if the hands are soiled.
• Proper use of face coverings and the fact that face coverings are not respiratory protective equipment.
• Since COVID-19 is an airborne disease, N95s and more protective respirators protect the users from airborne disease, while face coverings primarily protect people around the user.
• The conditions where face coverings must be worn at the workplace.
• That face coverings are additionally recommended outdoors for people who are not fully vaccinated if six feet of distance cannot be maintained.
• Employees can request face coverings and can wear them at work regardless of vaccination status and without fear of retaliation.
• COVID-19 symptoms, and the importance of obtaining a COVID-19 test and not coming to work if the employee has COVID-19 symptoms.
• Information on our COVID-19 policies and how to access COVID-19 testing and vaccination, and the fact that vaccination is effective at preventing COVID-19, protecting against both transmission and serious illness or death.

Screening Protocols: 

Procedures for Identifying Infection in the Workplace:

• Routine Symptom Checks: All employees/volunteers will be required to complete a regular symptom check before entering the workplace. This includes a self-assessment of symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, and others as per the guidelines provided by the public health authorities.
  • Temperature Screenings: Depending on current risk factors All employees/volunteers will have their temperature checked upon arrival at the workplace using a non-contact thermometer. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to enter the workplace.
• Contact Tracing: In the event that an employee/volunteer tests positive for COVID-19 or has been in close contact with a confirmed case, contact tracing will be conducted to identify any other employees who may have been exposed. These employees will be notified and advised to self-isolate and get tested.
• Reporting: Any employee/volunteer who tests positive for COVID-19 or has been exposed to a confirmed case will be required to inform their supervisor and human resources department immediately.
• Isolation: Employees/Volunteers who have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a confirmed case will be required to self-isolate and not return to the workplace until they have been cleared by a medical professional or have completed the mandatory quarantine period.
• Return to Work: Employees/volunteers who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a confirmed case will be allowed to return to work only after they have been cleared by a medical professional or have completed the mandatory quarantine period.
• Keeping Record: Keeping records of all employees/volunteers who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a confirmed case, the date of diagnosis, the date of return to work, and the date of clearance by a medical professional, as well as the contact information of the person who tested positive, will be kept to ensure that the information is available for contact tracing if necessary.
• Confidentiality: All information related to an employee’s diagnosis or exposure to COVID-19 will be kept confidential to protect the employee’s privacy.
• It’s important to note that the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving and the policies and procedures must be updated as needed based on the most recent guidance from public health authorities.

Cleaning and Disinfection Procedure and Policy

1. Cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and objects will be conducted on a daily basis.
   • All surfaces and objects listed in the procedure, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, equipment, tools, handrails, handles, controls, phones, headsets, and bathroom surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected.
2. The cleaning process will involve using a detergent or soap to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from surfaces.
   • The disinfection process will involve using an EPA-approved disinfectant to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces.
3. All cleaning and disinfection supplies, such as paper towels, cleaning solutions, and disinfectants will be stored in a designated area and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. All cleaning and disinfection activities will be conducted by trained staff members who will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling cleaning and disinfection supplies.
5. Staff members will be required to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
   • Staff members will be trained on proper cleaning and disinfection techniques, including how to properly handle and dispose of cleaning and disinfection supplies.
6. This procedure and policy will be reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure that it is in line with the latest guidelines from public health authorities.
7. Any guest or staff member who notices a surface that has not been cleaned or disinfected according to this procedure and policy should inform a supervisor immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Visiting Casa0101:

• Screening for Classes/Workshops: All participants in classes and workshops will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and have their temperature checked before entering the building.
• Screening for Audience: All audience members will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and have their temperature checked before entering the building.
• Screening for Cast Members/Performers: All cast members and performers will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and have their temperature checked before entering the building.

Attending Casa0101’s Classes and Workshops:

Waiting in the Lobby/Gallery: 

Guests are encouraged to wait in designated areas and maintain social distance while waiting to enter the building.

Snack Time and Breaks: Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and to maintain social distance during breaks.

Recommended Self Screening for Infectious Diseases 

Self-screening is an important step in preventing the spread of infections such as COVID-19, the flu, and MPX. Before entering any public spaces or interacting with others, individuals should self-screen for symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, body aches, and sore throat. Those who have any of these symptoms should stay home and seek medical attention if necessary. Additionally, individuals should be aware of any recent travel to areas with high transmission rates of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases, and any close contact with people who have tested positive for the viruses. If there is any concern or risk of exposure, individuals should contact their healthcare provider or local public health department for guidance on what steps to take next.

What happens if you test positive?

If you test positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please inform us immediately and follow the quarantine guidelines provided by public health authorities.

Submitting Test Results or Additional Questions About These Protocols:

If you have any questions about these protocols or need to submit test results, please contact us at covid19@casa0101.org or use our screening and test collection form. 

Please note that these policies and procedures are subject to change as the situation evolves and new guidelines are issued by public health authorities. We will continue to monitor the situation and update our protocols as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests, staff, and performers. We use https://covidactnow.org/us/metro/los-angeles-long-beach-anaheim_ca/?s=44903240 and County Public Health Data to determine the current risk factors on an ongoing basis.