COVID-19 and the Asylum

Re-opening Readiness

Artisan’s Asylum will reopen on a limited basis on June 1, 2020. As part of the process we have implemented the following:

1. Health and safety guidelines and agreement for staff, volunteers and members.
3. Phased reopening plan, to safely reunite our community, welcome new members and get back to work.
2. Physical changes to the facility that include signage, protective barriers and sanitization stations.
3. Mandatory shop and equipment booking.
4. Return to work policy for staff and volunteers, including an illness reporting process.

1. Health and safety guidelines

To protect the health and safety of all members during our phased reopening, Artisan’s has developed a set of guidelines along with links to external resources. Among the key links are:

• Artisan’s Asylum health and safety guidelines
• Artisan’s Asylum reopening FAQ
• CDC guidance to mitigate the spread of COVID-19
• State of Massachusetts guidance for manufacturers

2. Physical changes

As part of our measures to promote health and safety, Artisan’s has taken several preventive measures. These include the addition of sanitization stations throughout the facility (marked “S” on the map below), a limited number of one-way corridors (marked in red on the map below), and wayfaring and behavioral signage. Please observe these guidelines at all times.

3. Shop and Equipment Booking

To manage the number of users in our shops and within the facility overall, Artisan’s has implemented a mandatory reservation tool. All members must be registered, up to date with your dues, and agree to our limitation on access to use shops and equipment.

4. Return to work policy

All businesses in the state of MA must develop a written control plan outlining how its workplace will comply with the mandatory safety standards for operation in the COVID-19 reopening period. Artisan’s “Return to Work Policy” is a part of that plan and includes voluntary reporting forms and a return to work request. Please read.

* Special thanks to members Dick Rubinstein and Ilana Krepchin, and staff members Chris Duval and Anne Wright for your support and leadership preparing for this transition.