UPDATE: The ACT Arts Centre in Maple Ridge’s programming will not be business as usual this Spring Break.
A notice on the art centre’s website on Thursday morning said, “all scheduled performances, classes/camps, and exhibitions are continuing as planned,” however after provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry’s announcement that all gathering of over 250 people are to be banned, they quickly acted to cancel shows.
READ MORE: The ACT cancels shows of more than 250 people during COVID-19 outbreak
“We enacted a communications plan that prioritized communicating with our patrons about cancellations for this Thursday’s and Friday’s performances by phone, text and email, posting on our website, and through social media,” said ACT artistic and executive director, Curtis Pendleton.
“The health and safety of our patrons and visitors to the Centre and our community remains our top priority.
“The Thursday and Friday shows are the only productions in the ACT Presents Series affected by our decision to comply with health authority recommendations.
“Currently, all other scheduled ACT Arts Centre-curated events will proceed as planned, including the Learning Programs’ spring break camps. We are monitoring the evolving situation closely, will comply with health authority recommendations as we have been, and will post any changes or updates on our website and contact patrons affected, as a priority.”
READ MORE: Cities, school district readying for COVID-19
Staff will continue to follow the instructions of the Fraser Health Authority and both the provincial and federal health authorities.
In addition, their facilities team have elevated cleaning and sanitizing measures throughout the building, along with installing an increased number of hand sanitizing gel stations.
Signage is also reminding patrons, visitors, staff and performers to wash their hands, cover their coughs and to stay at home if they are unwell.
“Being mindful of our collective responsibility for a healthy environment will help reduce the impact in our community,” reads the notice.
cflanagan@mapleridgenews.com
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