THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY IS OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY
We are excited to be back in the studio. That being said, we are still limiting our capacity and the in-studio schedule is smaller than pre-COVID. We are maintaining a smaller schedule in order to ensure that all procedures and protocols mandated by the guidelines of the State of New York are in place and followed. We will add more classes as needed and warranted.
The warm, welcoming, joyful and heartfelt atmosphere we’ve always had will continue while we make sure that everyone is and feels safe in the studio. Our online classes will continue to be offered for those who aren’t ready to come back into the studio and the in-studio classes will be Zoomed, creating a hybrid class with students in the studio and online simultaneously. This seems to be the wave of the future. This will allow students to join the class online if the in- studio class fills up and/or you’re not ready to join us in the studio. In the studio and over Zoom, we are here for you.
Keeping Safe
We are striving to meet and exceed all guidelines established by the State of New York, but we need your help to keep everyone safe. Please stay home if (i) you do not feel well or have any COVID-19 symptoms or (ii) have been exposed to someone with a suspected and/or confirmed case of COVID-19. Our staff is committed to limiting the risk to our community by staying home if they are sick or have been exposed. Although we no longer have temperature checks, we will continue to have contact tracing procedures in place and our class sign-in sheets at the studio ask students to confirm that they are not sick, have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks, and have not knowingly been in contact with an infected person within that same time frame.
Please follow good hand hygiene washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer when running water is not available. We have hand sanitizer available throughout the studio.
Class Size and Registration
The class size for in-studio classes is temporarily limited to 50%. Due to the limited capacity, we are requiring pre-register to reserve your spot in class. Pre-registration can be done through our website. All students pre-registering for classes must have a credit card on file. Once a class is full, you can join a waitlist. Classes taking place in the studio will be simultaneously live streamed on Zoom enabling you to participate online if the in-studio class is filled. Both classes will be on the schedule noted as Online Virtual for the online classes and indicating the studio room for the in-studio classes. Please be sure to register for the correct option. We appreciate your cooperation in this registration process.
Face Covering
In accordance with CDC and NYS guidelines, students who are fully vaccinated may take off their masks while on their mats. This is purely optional and personal to everyone. In order to ensure full compliance, proof of vaccination in the form of a legible photo of the vaccination card or the NY State Excelsior Pass must be shown to the front desk staff prior to class and any mask removal. We continue to require that masks be worn while off your mat moving around the studio in the common areas, including the reception area and the restrooms. If not fully vaccinated, you are required to wear your mask throughout class. All of our in-studio classes are open to all students, regardless of vaccination status. Please know that taking off your mask on your mat if you are fully vaccinated is a personal choice and we respect everyone’s position and comfort levels. Some of our instructors may be masked, others not. Please be mindful and respectful of our policies. Absolute Yoga is a refuge and will continue to be a place of inclusivity and tolerance.
Heightened Cleaning and Sanitizing Protocols
We have always kept a meticulously clean studio and we pride ourselves on that. Now we are increasing these cleaning procedures and policies to include cleaning and disinfecting all high-touch areas between classes. We are using hospital grade disinfectant in accordance with CDC and EPA protocols on all floors and high-touch areas such as doorknobs, bathroom fixtures and light switches. Hand sanitizers are offered in many locations around the studio.
Social Distancing
We are asking for social distancing as you enter the studio and that mats be placed apart from each other to create a safe distance between students. Please keep the flow of traffic in mind and maintain a safe distance between yourself and others in the studio.
Mats/Props
We are only offering a limited number of props such as blocks, blankets, straps and bolsters, so please bring you own if you use and have them.
Ventilation
The studio is in compliance with the New York State guidelines regarding air filtration systems. All air filters are regularly changed and all the units have been cleaned. We are using the highest grade MERV 13 filters which utilize an electrostatic charge to remove very fine particles from the air that carry viruses, as well as potential allergens like mold, pollen and bacteria. We have also added a UV-C air filtration and purifying unit to keep the air circulating and purified. As much as feasible, studio doors and windows will be open during class to increase air circulation.