Access2Arts’ Coronavirus (COVID-19) response: Office Closure

Over the past weeks, we have all watched as the number of cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has increased around the world. 

As a disability-led organisation (i.e. a majority of our staff and board identify as disabled people) and one that supports Deaf and disabled people to be part of our cultural landscape (both as artists and audiences) we consider that, for these reasons, the time has come to put in place social distancing measures to mitigate the risks for individuals These measures include:

• closing Access2Arts’s Pirie Street office, so as to limit risk of exposure through public buildings and transport – this will mean directing staff to work from home
• encouraging staff and customers to use communication solutions like Zoom meetings, or Google Hangout when they need meetings or consultations

The Access2Arts’ office will be open on Monday 16 March 16 from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm, for staff to access items and files necessary to support remote work during the office closure. From that point we will monitor the situation and will be guided by the advice provided by Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Brendan Murphy, and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

We recognize that this decision will have an impact on our customers, staff, contractors and arts organisations. Please continue to visit our website for the most current information.

We encourage you to continue to follow existing guidelines to protect your own health. The Australian Government’s Department of Health recommends:

• wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet
• cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• if unwell, avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 meters from people)
• exercise personal responsibility for social distancing measure avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• stay home if sick Note: Temperature should remain normal (below 37.5 C / 99.6 F degrees) for 72-hours without any fever-reducing medication before returning to work or school. 
• clean and disinfect frequently touched object and surfaces

If you have other COVID-19 questions, please visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.

We want to express our appreciation for the patience of our community as we work through this rapidly changing environment.

Thank you and stay well,
Access2Arts