COVID-19 Safety Protocol
updated February 2023
Effective February 23, 2023, masks that cover the nose and mouth will no longer be required to enter AlterWork Studios. Students, members, and visitors will no longer need to take their temperature and fill out our contact tracing form upon entering the studio. We are consistently monitoring the infection rates in New York State and reserve the right to change this policy at any time.
If you test positive for Covid-19 and/or feel unwell, do not come to the studio. If you spent time at the studio and later tested positive, please notify the studio immediately so we can implement our contact tracing and exposure protocol. If you test positive for Covid-19, you may return to the studio five days after testing positive as long as symptoms are subsiding. We ask that you wear a mask for one week after returning to the studio to mitigate the risk of transmission. We rely on the honor system and trust that our community will be honest and accountable for the sake of everyone’s wellbeing.
Due to the nature of the space, masks will be strongly encouraged for other reasons. As a shared ceramic workspace, the studio is prone to dust composed of particles commonly found in clay and glazes (most notably silica). Over long periods of time, this dust can be harmful when inhaled. Wearing a mask while working with clay and glazes can mitigate this risk. The studio is cleaned regularly and common surfaces are wiped down to prevent the build up of such dust. Along with this cleaning, the studio has two HEPA filters; one is the communal ceramics area and one is the glazing area downstairs.
If you are interested in learning more about health and safety in ceramic spaces, please follow the links below.