December 21, 2021. In the face of the current Covid surge in NYC, we wanted to republish information about our evidence-based Covid prevention equipment and strategies.
Covid Protocols
In the Dojo Volume 2 Issue 8
By Josh Paul Sensei, AOSB head instructor
Starting September 8, 2020, we are adding limited-attendance indoor classes to our schedule! We will continue offering on-line and outdoor classes, as well as private individual and group instruction to our active members.
Our decision to offer indoor classes is based on science. The trend in transmission and positivity rates in New York City indicate that the virus is under sufficient control and schools are reopening. For example, on August 11, 2020, the rate of COVID-19 transmission in NYC was 0.97, meaning the virus was spreading, but slowly, and the COVID-19 test positivity rate was 0.9%. Mayor Bill de Blasio has indicated that a positivity rate that is consistently <3% is needed to reopen and keep open public schools. There were 236 new cases and 18 new hospitalizations on August 11.
DISINFECTING STRATEGY
For everybody’s health and safety while indoors, the dojo has invested in new sanitization and disinfection equipment, and we are first pleased to introduce Mr. Ven T. Lation, our new ventilation fan. With a diameter of only 8 inches, Mr. Lation is capable of exchanging all the air in the dojo’s upstairs training space in 9-11 minutes. That’s approximately 6 complete air changes per hour, a metric suggested by Prof. Linsey Marr of Virginia Tech during a recent interview on the Brian Lehrer Show. In addition, we installed MERV-13 filters in the air conditioner!
We have also invested in a high-powered steam cleaner. According to Ms. Steam Intensely’s creators, she kills 99.99% of germs without the use of chemicals. Ms. Intensely can disinfect the mats, walls, windows, rugs, curtains, etc., and she gets out wrinkles. Nothing like a freshly steamed hakama.
Although Ms. Intensely does not require chemical sanitizers, we do! Standard store-bought cleansers will be used on surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, railings, and faucets. Importantly, we’ve actually read the directions on the bottles, and will use these products correctly. For example, a product like Clorox’s Scentiva Disinfecting Multi-surface Cleaner kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, but only if it is allowed to stand on the surface for 10 minutes before wiping. As per NY State operating guidelines, we’ve mapped out 6-foot squares on the training floor and added an extra unisex changing room.
These efforts to ensure a disinfected and safe training space can only be effective with your cooperation and assistance. Towards that end, we are asking all students attending indoor classes to:
Stay home if sick
Notify AOSB staff if you or anyone in your household is diagnosed with COVID-19
Wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer before and after class
Wear a mask during class and while inside AOSB facilities
Allow no-touch temperature readings
Moreover, we are asking all students to come already dressed for class whenever possible so as to avoid crowding in the changing areas. We also ask that all parents, caregivers, family members, partners, etc., wait for students outside the dojo so as to likewise prevent crowding. Unfortunately, this means no hanging out, dining, or studying in the dojo’s downstairs lounge area.
CLASS SIZE AND SIGN UP
Indoor classes will be limited to a maximum of 5 students. To sign up for a class, simply text 718-612-6334 at least 1 hour before start time. If you have to cancel, please do so by 12pm on the day of class so that there is time to fill the space. Please do not sign up and then ghost us (fail to show up).
SCHOLARSHIPS AND TUITION ASSISTANCE
The pandemic has caused economic hardship throughout the country and within our dojo community. We are pleased to be able to offer scholarships and tuition assistance to students who are committed to their practice, but unable to currently afford tuition because of COVID-19-related job and income loss. Anybody who was a dojo member in March 2020 and had to discontinue their membership because of COVID-19 is eligible. Please contact us directly (and privately) to discuss the details.
Best Laid Plans and the September Schedule
Finally, we’d like to emphasize that our September plans are based on the information that is available to us during this, the second week of August 2020. It is possible that by Labor Day the city will once again be a completely different place. We’ll keep you posted. Nevertheless, here is the September schedule.