COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines

These guidelines were created with the health and safety of our guests, partners, performers, and employees at the forefront. All employees comply with the policies below.

Last updated and effective as of April 1, 2022. This page will be updated as we continue to monitor the status of COVID-19 and implement appropriate measures for the health and safety of everyone entering the Poetry Foundation building.

By entering the Poetry Foundation building, guests acknowledge and voluntarily agree to assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and other communicable diseases, following safety measures below and all other terms and conditions. Guests without proof of vaccination, without appropriate face coverings, or not wearing a face covering correctly, will not be permitted entry. Poetry Foundation policies are subject to change and are subject to city and state public health guidelines.

Guests who wish to enter the building will be required to follow the policies outlined here:

• Guests should be prepared to show proof of full vaccination with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine and must show proof of vaccination at their time of entry. For more information, see Vaccination Policy below.
• Masks are required for all guests over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must be worn at all times. All masks must completely cover the nose and mouth and comply with the CDC guidelines for acceptable face coverings.
• Health certification. By virtue of entering, guests acknowledge that all of the statements below are true the day they visit. If any of the statements are NOT true, guests should not visit.
  • I have not tested positive for COVID-19 through a diagnostic test in the past ten (10) days.
  • I have not recently experienced (within the last 48 hours) any new or worsening symptoms of COVID-19.
  • I have not had close contact with any person(s) confirmed with a diagnostic test or suspected based on symptoms, to have COVID-19 within the past ten (10) days.

It is essential that employees, partners, performers, and guests not enter the building unwell. We will make every accommodation possible for everyone to feel empowered to stay home if they feel unwell. As public health conditions and the state and city’s guidance evolve, we will remain flexible and adapt to applicable health protocols.

We have upgraded our HVAC systems to exceed CDC guidelines for hospital-grade filtration, including MERV 13 filters and ionization.

High-touch surfaces will be cleaned in accordance with CDC recommendations. Hand sanitizer will be stationed throughout the building. Upon entering, all guests will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer (unless medically prohibited).

Capacity will be monitored to ensure that social distancing is possible. Groups are encouraged to plan their visit by emailing [email protected]. Group visits may be limited to 10 or fewer people.

Last updated and effective as of April 1, 2022

Guests ages five and older must be Fully Vaccinated as defined below.

Guests ages 18 and older must be Fully Vaccinated (as defined below) AND present a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.

Guests under five may enter with vaccinated family members.

Masks are required for all guests over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status.

”Fully Vaccinated” means on the day of entry, it has been at least 14 days since the guest has received (a) the second dose of an FDA or WHO- approved two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or (b) the single dose of an FDA or WHO- approved COVID-19 vaccine or (c), for international guests, two doses of any “mix and match” combination of an FDA or WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines.

Any guest whose last vaccine dose (excluding boosters) was fewer than 14 days before the date of performance must, in addition to meeting these requirements, also present proof of (a) a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of entry, or (b) a negative COVID-19 antigen test within 6 hours of entry.

Proof of vaccination must come directly from the healthcare provider that performed the vaccination. Guests may display proof on a smartphone or present a physical copy.

The only exceptions are for guests who need reasonable accommodations due to a medical exception or a sincerely held religious belief. In these cases, guests must provide official documentation plus proof of ONE of the following instead of evidence of vaccination:

• Negative COVID-19 PCR test performed by a medical provider within 72 hours of entry date. The test results must clearly show the date and time of the test. OR
• Negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken within 6 hours of entry time. The test results must show the date and time of the test. This test may be performed by a medical professional or by using an over-the-counter testing kit.

Entry will be denied for guests who do not provide the documentation as required above. If you have a medical or religious exemption, please contact [email protected] before you visit to make arrangements.

Masks are required for all guests over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status. All masks must completely cover the nose and mouth and comply with the CDC guidelines for acceptable face coverings.

If you have a medical or religious exemption, please contact [email protected] before you visit to make arrangements.

This page will be updated as more information becomes available.