In support, ally-ship, and protection of our disabled, immunocompromised, vulnerable, and careful (full of care) community, all in-person workshops are made as safe as possible, in an effort to be as inclusive as possible.
The Naga Center is committed to the healing ethos of “first do no harm” and so goes above and beyond in protecting all, including our most vulnerable students from infectious disease including of course SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. As a school that is all about health and well being our dedication to mitigating the spread of infectious disease on site is constantly being updated to meet current recommendations from epidemiologists, doctors, disease specializing HVAC engineers, and biologists. Healing arts classes should not hurt anyone.
Current protocols for in-person workshops include:
Testing We now have PlusLife molecular testing onsite. This is a 99% accurate, PCR level test. Students will test in the morning prior to optional unmasking.
Masking requirement: all students must wear N95 or higher masks, or elastomeric respirators, that seal until morning testing is complete at which point students will be able unmask for most classes. If a student needs the class to remain masked regardless of testing due to a compromised immune system or other health reason, please request this prior to the start of class.
Air Quality Multiple on-site HEPA (Merv 13) filter air purifiers including multiple Corsi-Rosenthal boxes and HEPA“fandaliers” in all spaces that students gather. We do not use purifiers with ionizers or other electrical gimmicks that can lead to increased ozone and are unproven in airborne disease mitigation.
Far UV 222nm lights are utilized in the classroom. They disarm airborne viruses and are placed such that they cause no harm to people and other critters. You can learn more about Far-UV lighting here.
CO2 monitors in all spaces that students gather will display carbon dioxide levels such that proper ventilation is monitored and maintained - windows will be opened throughout warmer weather and as needed in colder weather. Even in winter windows will be at least cracked at all times to insure adequate ACH (air changes per hour) - dress accordingly! You can learn more about CO2 monitoring here.
Humidifiers Standard or Thai herbal humidifiers will be run in class as humidity supports the innate immune function of the mucosal lining of mouth throat and nose (where the COVID and other virus’ like to attach to our ACE-2 receptors) and assists in lowering the amount of airborne virus in a room.
Symptoms Any students experiencing symptoms of potentially contagious disease or with a positive test for any contagious disease must refrain from coming to class. A make-up class will be scheduled as needed. Students experiencing illness are expected to check in with their instructor prior to missing class. These are healing arts classes and we may have helpful Thai medicines and guidance to share, so please do talk to your instructor.
Linens, hands and surfaces will be regularly washed, sanitized and disinfected, of course.
Vaccination At this time, due to the mess of how vaccines are being distributed, vaccination is not required. It is strongly recommended, and vaccination requirements may be implemented at any time; if this occurs this page will be updated.
Hand and surface sanitizers will be plentiful in addition to herbs, magic spells, good manners and common decency.
I would like to acknowledge all of the people who have died during this pandemic, around the world. I would like to acknowledge those who are experiencing ongoing illness due to living in a time of a mass disabling event. I would like to acknowledge all of the people who have worked to exhaustion in caring for the sick. I would like to acknowledge the scientists around the world who worked and are still working to develop preventatives and treatments. I would like to acknowledge the many animals who endured torture and death in that scientific process ~ the life of a lab animal is no less precious than any other and their suffering to save humanity hurts my heart. It is because of all of these beings - the people and the animals, that I adhere to these strict rules. It is because of love. And it is because “careful” means “full of care”.
