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 May 11, 2023, 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. Masks are optional, but encouraged and will be available at the front desk. 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:

• 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 five (5) 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 five (5) days.

It is essential that employees, partners, performers, and guests not enter the building if feeling 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).

Groups are encouraged to plan their visit by emailing [email protected]. Group visits may be limited to 10 or fewer people.

This page will be updated as more information becomes available.