Covid-19 Safety Measures & Reopening

updated 4/1/2021

The following guidelines will be in effect at the Apollon and take into consideration guidance from the Nebraska Governor's office, the Douglas County Health Department, OSHA, and the CDC.  We are committed to the safety of guests, volunteers, students, and staff members and have outlined the various steps being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Opening to Guests

The space will be open to guests as permitted by state and local mandates or guidelines from the Nebraska Governor's office and the Douglas County Health Department as well as guidance from OSHA and the CDC.  In addition, the Apollon will enforce the following limitations to guest attendance based on the Covid-19 Risk Rating published by the Douglas County Health Department:

  • Red – The Apollon will be open with 25% capacity (below current state and city guidelines). This will be subject to regular review of covid-statistics. The Apollon may be subjec to closure at any time based on the current risk assessment.

  • Orange – The Apollon will be open with 30-50% capacity

  • Yellow – The Apollon will be open with 50-75% capacity

  • Green – The Apollon will be open 75%-100% capacity.

Cleaning/General Operation

  • All used spaces will be cleaned and sanitized each day of use. 

  • Signage will be posted to reinforce expected guest behavior (social distancing, hand washing, masks, etc.)

  • Safety stations containing hand sanitizer, wipes, gloves, masks, and disinfecting solution will be placed in all common and shared spaces.

  • Sanitation will also occur periodically during the time the space is open and/or during intermissions, when applicable.

Face Masks, Temperature Screening & Covid Screening Questionnaires

  • Everyone must wear masks in a shared space.  An exception may be made for performers during a performance if plexiglass dividers are in place to separate the performers from the audience and each other.  An exception may also be made for staff and volunteers when working alone in a private space.

  • Touchless temperature checks may be administered at the discretion of management for anyone entering the space including staff, volunteers, performers, etc.  CDC recommended symptom screening questions may also be asked at the discretion of management.

Audience & Guests

  • All guests will be required to self-screen for a fever and symptoms of illness prior to arriving. If the guest has been exposed to someone testing positive for Covid-19, the guest should stay home and self-quarantine for 14 days.  If the guest is exhibiting any signs of illness or tests positive for Covid-19, the guest should remain home.

  • Everyone will be required to wear masks. If anyone arrives without a mask, they will be offered one free of charge. If the person refuses to wear a mask, they will be asked to leave.

  • Masks must be worn properly in accordance with CDC guidelines.

  • Upon arrival and leaving the building, patrons are encouraged to use hand sanitizer.

  • Sanitizing stations will be available in spaces open to the public.

Event Attendance & Purchasing

  • Cash free payments are encouraged.

  • Contactless electronic payments are also encouraged, whenever possible. 

  • If staff handles credit cards, they should sanitize hands after using each card.

  • Paper tickets are not issued for events.  The patron will check in at the front entrance upon arrival. 

  • Electronic versions of any event program will be available online at our website and/or sent by email to the ticket purchaser.

  • Social distancing of 6 feet will be maintained for seated events. 

Concessions

  • Individually packaged beverages may be offered.  However, masks must remain on while being consumed. 

  • No events with catering food will be offered for the time being.

  • Water fountains will be closed.   

Shows, Stage & Productions

  • The first few regular season, indoor productions will be 1 or 2 cast members. Other productions will be evaluated as government mandates evolve. All production personnel except for the actor(s) must be masked throughout the rehearsal and production process.

  • Designated stage areas will have Plexiglass walls to separate actors from the audience.  There may also be plexiglass partitions between performers whenever possible.

  • If a staff, volunteer, cast/crew member tests positive and have potentially exposed others while at the Apollon, we shut down for 2 weeks and go into quarantine.

  • If a family member of cast/crew/team tests positive, that cast/crew/team must quarantine and be recast.

Education

  • In-person classes will be limited to no more than 20 students at a time. 

    Everyone will be required to self-screen for a fever and symptoms of illness prior to arriving. If you have been exposed to someone testing positive for Covid-19, stay home and self-quarantine for 14 days.  If you are exhibiting any signs of illness or test positive for Covid-19, stay home.

  • Every student will be required to wear a mask.

  • All areas used for classes will be cleaned and disinfected after use.

  • Educational materials will not be shared by students and will be cleaned/disinfected after use. Materials that may not be cleaned will be disposable.

  • All spaces will be taped out to help kids keep proper social distance.

  • Hand sanitizing stations will be readily available for students and staff.

  • Clorox wipes will be available for all staff.

In case of positive Covid-19 case at the Apollon

  • The Executive Director and House Manager are contacted immediately upon discovery of a positive case of Covid-19.

  • If shows are open, the House Manager would give an announcement and have all audience members, cast and crew to calmly and safely leave the building with the help of staff and volunteers in the building at that time.  At that time the building would be shut down.

  • If we become aware of possible exposure following a show or other event, guests will be notified by email and notice will be published on our website.

  • The building would be closed for a minimum of 2 days for deep cleaning/sterilizing of the entire facility, as recommended by CDC guidelines. Proper PPE would be mandatory to everyone assisting in the cleaning process.  PPE would include body suit, face mask and chemical safe gloves. The building could be re-opened at this time at the discretion of the Executive Director.  However, no one who may have been exposed may enter until they have self-quarantined for 2 weeks with no symptoms and no positive test results.

  • Anyone who has been directly exposed should be tested and self-quarantine for 2 weeks.

*These will be adjusted as requirements change.

Designated COVID-19 Point of Contact - Executive Director, Carol Danigole, is the designated administrator to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns.  Any concerns may be sent to info@apollonomaha.com.