In response to concerns regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), MakeICT has established an Advisory Committee which includes members working in the healthcare field, as well as outside entities to establish protocols and ensure preparedness. The objective is to limit impacts should the virus affect our community.
As the situation continues to evolve, we will continue to monitor the spread of the coronavirus while coordinating a response that will be implemented at MakeICT. Our goal is to mitigate the impact it may have on the community’s overall health. It is important that we all collaborate in preventing the spread of this virus, which includes participation from the community. Informational updates will be provided to our members to increase awareness and preparedness. The health of our members and guests, their families, and our community are our highest priority.
In concert with our local community, city, county, and state governments, we are taking a number of measures, starting immediately, in order to help prevent the spread of the virus. They are as follows:
- Day-to-day operations are suspended at both the old and new MakeICT locations until further notice. MakeICT is closed for the purpose of making or producing products and projects. Please do not come to either building unless you are approved to work on one of the teams below.
- All scheduled classes, workshops, tours, and outreach are cancelled, also effective immediately. This includes currently scheduled events, such as Wednesday's SCA meeting and Thursday's Board of Directors meeting.
- Those volunteers who are working on construction at our new building will continue their work for the time being. We are requiring that certain protocols be followed there to minimize the chance of spreading the virus. Those protocols will be prominently posted at the new building.
- We will be allowing a limited number of volunteers to continue packing equipment and materials at our current location, staging for our final move to the new building. There are protocols in place at this location, as well.
- We will be sending out regular email to keep our members updated on the COVID-19 measures, as well as the status of our move.
It is a remarkable coincidence that much of our equipment is in the process of being packed and/or moved already, so we are fortunate that we were already prepared for some level of disruption of everyday maker activities. If you have any questions about these measures, please send an email to President@MakeICT.org. We understand that individuals all perceive the threat from this virus differently, however these measures are not open to debate. Please think twice before making comments that might be considered disruptive.
It is the hope of the Board of Directors that we can weather this storm together and continue to work toward our goal of moving into our new makerspace as quickly as possible. We'll do our best to keep our members informed. Thank you for your understanding and for your tireless work over the past months.
For the Board of Directors,
David Springs
President, MakeICT Institute
Below is information regarding the virus and how we can help prevent it from affecting our communities.
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus that was first detected in China and has spread globally, including in the United States.
THE KEY TO PREVENTION IS:
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds,
• Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue or disposable paper product instead of the inside area of your elbow, or your hands,
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth,
• Avoid close contact with people (high fives, handshakes, etc..),
• Stay at home when you are sick, and
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. (refer to the CDC website for recommended cleaning products to use)
Symptoms associated with COVID-19 appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. The new strain of Coronavirus resembles the seasonal influenza, with a fever, dry cough with an added shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. If you are exhibiting signs of the virus, it is recommended to call your doctor for an over-the-phone consultation. Do not go to a medical care facility.
It is important to note that facemasks should only be utilized by people who show symptoms of COVID-19, healthcare professionals or in-home caretakers. It is not necessary at this time for our members to wear masks or respirators.
We will share more information as we develop a thorough response to this issue. There are no known cases in our group, but we stress the importance of being proactive and taking all preventative measures.
For further information and to stay apprised of the most up to date information, please see the following link:
https://www.coronavirus.gov
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