Our approach to managing communicable or transmissible diseases and creating policies is to keep our community supported and connected via thorough diligent and flexible risk assessment. The below is intended to support our community from communicable disease in general.

As of April 2024, we have officially installed our new energy recovery ventilator (ERV) system in both rooms which allows for fresh air and air exchange in both of our studio spaces.

Currently we maintain both spaces between 550ppm - 800ppm CO2 through this system which exchanges the indoor air with fresh air through a sophisticated air exchange system. For comparison, outdoor air quality typically hovers between 350 ppm - 650ppm depending on urban density. We’ve chosen these levels based on the most current research and energy efficiency data we could find.

Put simply, the air quality in our space is now top notch. This significantly mitigates the possibility of the spread of airborne disease in the space, and generally creates healthier air quality all around.

Many thanks to Urban Core LLC, NYSEG, and the DIA for the support and grants that allowed for this two year long project.

Staff and Student wellness policies

Community Expectations

Mitigation policies

Note for students wishing for a customized approach

Edited April 2024

Staff and Student wellness policies:

  • If at any point a student or staff member has symptoms OR any transmissible disease we ask that they simply stay home.

  • If you have been exposed to any transmissible disease but do not have symptoms, consult your medical professional before returning to the studio.

  • Circus Culture will provide make up opportunities for those who have missed classes. Students will sign up for these via the honor code on our Pike13 system and dates/times will be announced after the first week of classes.

  • We ask students to understand that if a staff person is unable to teach due to illness, Circus Culture will cover the class with the most suitable staff person available, but may need to hold the class as open practice or related skill in the case that a teacher with the same skill set is not available.

Community Expectations:
We currently have the below expectations for our community in order to mitigate the spread of communicable or transmissible diseases.

We expect that our participants:
-Have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 7 days

-Will wear a properly fitting 3 ply surgical, n95, kn95, or equivalent mask at all times at any Masks required sessions.

-Are not showing symptoms for any communicable disease or other transmittable illness or other circumstance that could spread to other community members via my participation at Circus Culture, including Covid-19, Cold, Flu, Lice, Chicken Pox, Monkey Pox, or any other number of possibilities.

-Will consult a medical professional if exposed to any communicable disease or other transmittable illness or other circumstance that could spread to others via participation at Circus Culture BEFORE returning the the studio.

-Covid - 19 specific - participants may come to Circus Culture if they have been exposed to Covid - 19 only if they do NOT have symptoms, take a rapid test within 1 hour of arriving at the studio, and wear the highest caliber mask at their disposal and ensure proper fit for the duration of their time in the studio. 

Circus Culture will follow guidelines recommended by the CDC and the Tompkins County Health Department unless explicitly stated otherwise and that this is subject to change.

Infectious Disease Mitigation policies:

  • Vinyl mats are cleaned with Clear Gear cleaning solution weekly and carpet bonded foam mats are steam cleaned monthly.

  • Our ERV systems are set to maintain CO2 levels between 550ppm-800ppm CO2.

  • Filtration: “Main” has a UV light system in the heat pump system and the space is equipped with a Medify Air MA-112 Air Purifier with a H13 True HEPA filter. “New” has a MERV 13 filter in the HVAC system

  • Students may share equipment, and distancing is no longer in practice.

  • Hand sanitizer and extra masks are always available.

For students wishing for a customized approach:

  • Masks required private and semi-private lessons are available to students per space/teacher availability by request at claire@circusculture.org. Our financial aid policy applies.

For students wishing to know more about our space or do calculations related to risk mitigation, “Main” space is 36ft x 36ft x18ft high and our “New” space is 32ftx 30ftx 17 ft high.

We welcome questions and concerns regarding our communicable/transmissible disease policies. Subject to change.

Circus Culture recommends that all participants who are eligible receive the COVID-19 vaccine AND boosters. For support gaining access to the vaccine or testing visit tompkinscountyny.gov/health/covid19vaccine