COVID-19 Precautions and Closure
Foci MCGA's COVID-19 Precautions
The studio will be suspending operations from 3/23/2020 at least through 5/4/2020.
With the rising public health concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19), Foci MCGA is committed to the health and wellness of our customers, members, and employees. We are paying close attention to the national and local news about COVID-19, so that we can stay informed and provide a supportive, responsive, and safe environment for our community.
What is Foci MCGA doing?
We are asking customers, members, and employees to stay home if you suspect you are sick. Regardless of any potential exposure to COVID-19, the best way not to spread any illnesses including the flu and cold, is to stay home, cover your coughs, and wash your hands.
We are keeping our surfaces, pipes, and tools clean. The COVID-19 can survive on surfaces for up to 9 days, so it is extremely important to disinfect all surfaces often. We are making sure to regularly disinfect items shared items.
We have hand sanitizer available in all of our public spaces and will have disinfectant for each bench to use prior and after their time slots.
We are hopeful that COVID-19 will be contained, so we can get back to our daily lives. Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other. We at Foci MCGA will continue to do our best to respond accordingly.
What is COVID-19?
According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are estimated to cause about a third of all cases of the common cold. COVID-19 is a strand of the coronavirus causing respiratory illnesses that have not been found in people before. Because COVID-19 is so new, there is much unknown about the virus, and currently no vaccination to prevent or cure it. The minute-by-minute updates can raise awareness, but can also cause anxiety and fear- not just about the virus, but about who may have it and is spreading the disease. It is important to remember that COVID-19 is not racially or culturally specific. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most vulnerable populations are the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
What we know about COVID-19 in Minnesota
As of this morning, there are five confirmed cases of the COVID-19 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
A Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Members, Renters, and Students,
I know this is a really trying time for all of us and a moment of great uncertainty for many small businesses and nonprofits. With the cancellation of classes at Foci MCGA and the reduction of renters, it is not feasible for Foci MCGA to stay open at this time. As of Wednesday 3/23/2020 we will be closing the studio until May 4th. All classes and Discoveries are cancelled until May 1st. We truly believe this is the best option to keep everyone who uses our studio, as well as the larger community, safe from the spread of COVID-19. We will be posting regular updates as we monitor the current situation. We would like to thank our staff and volunteers for all their hard work, and all our users for their continued support of our shared studio. We hope you are able to find some inspiration in this time of social isolation and are looking forward to seeing the results and all of our users later this spring. In the meantime, keep an eye out for construction updates on the new space!
We will be in contact with everyone who is currently registered for a class to reschedule. We will be extending all expirations dates on classes so we are able to accommodate everyone. I appreciate everyone's patience and we will ensure that you will have a wonderful class in the future.
The next few weeks will be very challenging not only for our small arts organization, but also for many of the artists that utilize our space. If you are interested in supporting our organization through this difficult time you can make a tax-deductible contribution here. If you are interested in getting in contact with a local glass artist to set up a commission or buy work online, please email us at contact@mnglassart.org. We would be happy to get you connected directly.
Stay safe and we will see you soon.
-Kelly Nezworski, Executive Director