TWSDY'S Covid-19 Studio PolicY

The Woodstock School of Dance & Yoga is an accredited "Dance Safe" studio. Recognized for following the Best Covid-19 Safety Procedures for Dance Studios in Ontario. 

In order to keep all of our families and our community safe this year, The Woodstock School of Dance & Yoga has teamed up with our local public health unit, Southwestern Public Health, to implement the following procedures which all students, families and staff must follow: 

In the Waiting Room: 

• All students, families and staff must follow The Woodstock School of Dance & Yoga’s reopening procedures and all mandated health and safety protocols. 
• One family member only will be allowed to accompany their children to class for at least the Fall of 2020. (We will revisit this policy in January 2021) 
• Dancers and parents must maintain physical distancing at all times and follow the appropriate signage provided.
• We would ask that families try to arrive right on their scheduled class time and no earlier than 5 minutes ahead of time. 
• Eating in the facility is not permitted at any time. (Water and Coffee are exceptions). If a dancer needs a dinner break in between classes, they must do so outside the Princess St. building.  
• All classes will be let out 3-5 minutes early for the Fall of 2020 to create less congestion in the waiting room and to give faculty time to disinfect the high contact surfaces (door knobs, ballet barres, etc.) in between each class. 
• Wherever possible, we ask parents, especially of students age 7 and older, to utilize a “drop and go” to class method so that we can keep our waiting room clear.
• All dancers will wash their hands with soap and water using the waiting room hand washing station immediately upon entering the studio. 
• Everyone is encouraged to use the hand sanitizer provided.
• We ask everyone to follow and encourage their children to follow proper cough and sneeze etiquette by covering their mouth with their elbow. 
• Students are highly encouraged to use the restroom at home before coming to class. Washrooms will be limited for emergencies only.

The Woodstock School of Dance & Yoga has been instructed by “Southwestern Public Health” to enforce the following policy: 

• In line with Southwestern Public Health’s Mandatory Face Covering Policy for Businesses, everyone age 2 and older will be required to wear a face mask while entering and exiting the Princess St. building & the studio particularly in the waiting room. 
• Students are not required to wear a mask while dancing in the studio, but it is encouraged (especially among those ages 9 + and for those enrolled in Musical Theatre Classes).  
• Adults are required to wear a mask at all times while in the building. 
• For those that have family members exempt from wearing masks, we ask that a family member who isn’t exempt accompany your dancer to class to keep the waiting room a safe and comfortable space for everyone. 
• For those that cannot send their child with someone who is not mask exempt, Southwestern Public Health has asked us to make alternate arrangements with front door pick / up and drop off. 
• Teachers and faculty will be required to wear masks and a face shield at all times.
• To be clear: No dancer is required to wear a mask while actively dancing in the dance studio room in line with Southwestern Public Health’s guidance for studios. Mask wearing while dancing is up to the families’ personal preference. 
• However, everyone age 2 + will be required to wear a mask while entering and exiting the building and while in the waiting room at all times. 

• Any staff member, parent / guardian, or student showing signs of illness will be isolated and sent home immediately. Please DO NOT attend classes if you or someone in your household exhibit any of the following symptoms: Fever, Cough, Worsening Chronic Cough, Difficulty Breathing, Shortness of Breath, Muscle Aches or Chills, Fatigue, Headache, Runny Nose, Sore Throat, Nasal Congestion, Digestive Issues etc. 
• Students of family members who have tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 14 days are not permitted in the studio until cleared by a doctor.
• Students who have travelled out of the country or province must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival back into the province whether they exhibit symptoms or not and are not permitted to come back to class until this 14-day period has passed in line with Southwestern Public Health.
• The Change Rooms, Playroom & Coffee Bar will be closed until further notice to keep our families safe. We hope to bring these perks back to families in the Spring of 2021. 
• An electronic screening survey indicating your child is well enough to come to class will need to be completed before coming to dance class every single week.  Parents who misuse or display dishonesty during screening can be subject to a fine of up to $1000.00 per child per class in line with Southwestern Public Health. 

• Students are to bring all their belongings into the studio with them during their class. 
• Class plans will be modified to encourage physical distancing in the studio while still maintaining an enjoyment for the class material. 
• Children will not be in a class that exceeds 6-8 dancers.
• Children who have not completed the required screening will not be able to participate in the class until the screening has been completed. 

Enhanced Cleaning Protocols: 

• The facility will be cleaned regularly between all classes with an emphasis on high touch surfaces (door knobs, light switches, props used in the studio). 
• Washrooms will be cleaned frequently although we ask that families limit their use to emergencies only. 
• A deep clean of the facility will be completed every night after closing. 
• The studio will circulate its brand-new HVAC system throughout the day to ensure quality air circulation. Whenever possible, the studio will operate with open windows to improve natural air circulation in the building.  

These policies are subject to change with the Ministry of Health of Ontario and Southwestern Public Health’s guidance as the province continues to respond to the pandemic. We thank you for your diligence & dedication to following these procedures and helping us provide a safe space to dance.