COVID-19 Mitigation Community Guidelines

As a shared community, it is everyone’s responsibility to help maintain a healthy and safe environment for all. Ox-Bow remains committed to the well-being of our participants, staff, visiting artists, and guests. We encourage all community members to follow best practices related to COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

These guidelines were updated on June 9, 2025. Ox-Bow reserves the right to amend these policies at any time in response to public health developments.

SAFETY MEASURES FOR PARTICIPANTS

Vaccinations & Testing:

  • Participants are strongly encouraged to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters.

  • Please take a COVID-19 test prior to arriving on campus, particularly if you are feeling unwell or have recently been in crowded indoor spaces.

  • If you are experiencing cold- or flu-like symptoms while on campus, please notify a staff member immediately.

On-Campus Testing:

  • Free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are available from the Campus Office upon request.

  • Symptomatic individuals may be required to take a COVID-19 test.

Vaccination Resources:


COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

General Wellness Practices:

  • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

  • Cover coughs and sneezes properly.

  • Stay hydrated, rest well, and monitor your health daily.

Mask Policy:

  • Masking indoors is optional but supported. Ox-Bow is a mask-friendly campus.

  • If you’ve recently traveled by air or attended a large indoor event, consider masking indoors for 3–5 days as a precaution.

  • Free disposable masks are available in the Old Inn first aid area.

CAMPUS SPACES

  • Workspaces are designed to allow for distancing and individual use where possible.

  • Shared equipment is sanitized regularly, and sanitation supplies are available in studios.

  • We maximize airflow by keeping windows and screened doors open and running fans.

  • During warmer months, open-air tents on the Meadow are used for outdoor gatherings and events.

DINING

  • Please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before handling shared items or retrieving food.

  • Grab-and-go snacks are available for residents outside of meal times.

  • Participants are responsible for returning their used dishes to the dish return area.

  • Food service protocols may evolve as needed based on health conditions.

CLEANING

  • Housekeeping staff use antiviral cleaning agents across all campus spaces.

  • Shared, public bathrooms, and high-traffic areas are cleaned daily.

  • DIY cleaning supplies are available for personal use upon request.

IF YOU FEEL ILL

  • Please familiarize yourself with current COVID-19 symptoms, which may resemble cold, flu, or allergy symptoms.

  • Notify a staff member immediately if you begin to feel unwell.

  • The Deputy Director may require testing and/or ask you to leave campus if you test positive or present significant symptoms.

Important Notes:

  • Ox-Bow is not able to provide on-campus isolation or quarantine accommodations.

  • Participants who test positive for COVID-19 will be asked to exit campus promptly to isolate and/or seek medical care.

  • Ox-Bow can provide information about local medical resources.

  • Ox-Bow staff cannot provide medical care or transport to medical facilities.

  • Ox-Bow staff may choose to notify the campus and staff population if someone on campus has tested positive for COVID. Notification protocols are at the discretion of the administration.

Questions?
 For any questions about COVID-19 and Ox-Bow, contact: