Upon return from holiday break, C4K announced a pause on in-person programming to allow time for assessing the risks posed by the rise in COVID-19 cases locally. After careful consideration, we have decided to extend this pause through the month of January. Previously scheduled virtual programs will continue and any scheduled in-person events will be offered as virtual where feasible. Staff will be reaching out to participants in the coming days with additional information.
There are several factors that went into this decision. The first priority is the health and safety of our members, volunteers, and staff. The COVID-19 new case numbers locally and across the country are at historic highs with models showing a peak later this month. Even with vaccination requirements and screening / masking protocols in place, it is very likely that a case would be identified among our participants. If one or more of our staff members required quarantining as a result, we would have to immediately cancel in-person programs.
Being in our temporary location (with transportation difficult for some) makes communication an important and challenging function for our staff. Not having clarity on the modes of programming for the coming weeks would only increase that challenge at a time when we are also preparing for a return to our renovated Clubhouse.
We remain on target for a return to our space at the Frank IX building by the end of January. The move back will require suspension of programs during the last week of the month (January 24th-28th). Coming back to in-person only to stop again two weeks later would create confusion and need for additional communication even if we avoided a COVID-19 related event.
In the interest of safety and clarity, we feel that the extended pause to in-person is our best option. We believe that in-person experiences for our members and volunteers are critical to the success of the program. Every effort will be made for their return as soon as safe and practical.
Thank you for your continued patience and support. If you have any questions, please contact the Clubhouse at 434-270-0072 or c4kmaker@c4kclubhouse.org.