VORTEX Pandemic Preparedness Plan

I. INTRODUCTION

The VORTEX acknowledges that a pandemic outbreak puts the most vulnerable people among us at the greatest risk. Therefore, we are committed to taking the outlined steps to help stop the spread of disease. We also acknowledge that functions and services may be adversely affected in the event of a disaster or pandemic. In such times, having a preparedness plan in place may help mitigate the impact on functions and serve the public good. This preparedness plan allows The VORTEX to effectively respond to a pandemic, to continue providing essential services as long as possible, and remain a viable entity during times of potential disruption. Since the threat to an organization’s continuity of operations is great during a pandemic outbreak, it is important for The VORTEX to have a plan in place to ensure the ability to carry out its essential functions and services. While organizations like ours may be forced to suspend some operations due to the severity of an outbreak, an effective plan can assist in efforts to remain operational, as well as strengthen the ability to resume operations once normalcy returns. 

This plan stresses that essential functions can be maintained during a pandemic outbreak through mitigation strategies, such as social distancing, personal protection equipment, increased hygiene, working from home, the vaccination of employees and their families, and similar approaches. We operate under the assumption that we will be provided with guidance and/or direction by Federal, State, local and/or Tribal governments regarding current pandemic status in our area, and we will follow all recommendations to the extent possible. All organization personnel are to be promptly informed regarding protective actions and/or modifications related to this plan.

 

II. PLAN OF ACTION

The VORTEX will take the following steps for readiness and continuity during a pandemic outbreak:

  • The VORTEX is now a hug and handshake-free zone. Please make an alternate greeting choice (we are all fans of the ‘live long and prosper’ Vulcan hand sign)

  • We have now reduced the amount of tickets available for purchase online and in person, in order to give people the option to have a personal bubble of space in the theatre

  • The VORTEX will keep an adequate stock of disinfectant tabs, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, soaps, etc, and keep these available to patrons

  • We will add the following measures to nightly duties:

    • Wiping down and cleaning all commonly touched items including door knobs, tables, chairs, bar pens, sink knobs, paper towel cranks, and poker chips used for ticketing at the box office

    • Post show or pre show armrest wipe down. Employees will wear a pair of gloves and use sanitizing wipes or a bleach mixture to wipe down the arm rests and top edges of the seats in the theatre.

    • Making sure hand sanitizers and sanitizing wipes are stocked and readily available

    • Ensure that barbacks and those who are bussing tables wear gloves, as well as box office personnel (when cleaning)

  • We will recommend that employees who are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness to stay home

  • We will closely follow the updates from Federal, State, local, or tribal government regarding recommendations for our area

In the event of an active outbreak in our area:

  • Patrons who are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness will be asked not to attend. For those who have to cancel plans and have already purchased show tickets, we will offer a full refund or the opportunity to use the tickets for a different show.

  • Employees who can work from home will be encouraged to do so to the extent that it is possible. Essential functions, operations, and support requirements will continue to be people dependent. However, human interactions may be remote or virtual, therefore appropriate teleworking and other social distancing protocols will be utilized.

  • Employees with symptoms of respiratory illness will be required to stay home for at least 2 weeks after symptoms dissipate or until they are medically verified to not be contagious, whichever comes first.

  • The VORTEX will keep our artists, employees, and community informed on any potential closure via facebook and email.

  • We may require employees to wear protective equipment based on the recommendations of the CDC and government entities.

  • Travel restrictions, such as limitations on mass transit, may affect the ability of some staff to report to work. Staff members will not be held responsible if these disruptions cause them to be unable to report for work.

Closure Protocols:

  • The VORTEX will close to the public in the event that government entities request that public assembly cease for a given period of time, or if a regular employee of The VORTEX, The Butterfly Bar, or Patrizi’s tests positive for the virus during the time that the CDC is still recommending quarantine protocols for those who were exposed

  • The VORTEX will cooperate with public health officials if evidence or suspicion arises that someone with the virus was a patron or employee

  • The VORTEX will give as much notice as reasonably possible to employees, artists, and patrons who will be affected by closure

  • The VORTEX will work to identify and ensure the ready availability of electronic databases, records, and files needed to ensure that essential functions during an outbreak remain operational.

  • Functions and tasks essential to the continuity of The VORTEX will be completed by core staff, with the majority of this work being done remotely. 

 

All ticket sales are final. However, we can exchange your tickets for a different night or a different performance, for a $3 fee, depending on availability. We do not sell your private data.