COVID Policies

UPDATED: 02/09/2022

Tech Valley Center of Gravity is committed to adhering to NYS and CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety, to ensure the safety of our members and our community. Members are expected to comply with the information provided on this page, which will also be posted by the front desk. As it is subject to change to comply with changing situations, please review this page and front-desk postings frequently.

If you are not currently vaccinated, and eligible for the vaccine or booster, you can learn more about the vaccine or find a point of dispensation on the CDC website and the NYS Health website. 

For more information about COVID related symptoms please visit CDC.GOV/CovidSymptoms. 

If at any point there are discrepancies between this policy and Local, State, or Federal regulations, the higher order regulation takes precendence. 

Using your fob to enter and exit the building is considered an agreement to adhere to these policies. 

OPERATIONAL STATUS

We are open to members during standard membership access times, and accepting new members. We are open to non-members for pre-scheduled facility tours, classes and select events. Proof of vaccination may be required for certain events and classes.

 

COVID Safety Policies

Mask Policy: updated and in effect as of 2/10/22

  • Members & Guests who are fully vaccinated: MASKS OPTIONAL
    • By not wearing a mask, you are confirming that you are fully vaccinated as per the CDC’s definition.
  • Members & Guests who are not fully vaccinated: MASKS REQUIRED
    • Individuals who are not fully vaccinated, including children over the age of 2, must wear masks in the building at all times. Any member who is found to be violating this policy will be subject to the penalties noted in the "Non Compliance" section.
  • During events that are open to the public: MASKS REQUIRED unless proof of vaccination is shown.
    • For certain classes or events, masks may be required for all participants regardless of vaccination status.
  • Children ages 2 or younger are exempt from the mask requirement for unvaccinated individuals, as per the CDC's guidance for younger children.

 

Vaccination Proof Verification

  • TVCOG reserves the right to request vaccination proof.
  • In general, vaccination proof will not be requested of members during typical operations. We trust our members to follow the guidelines applicable to their vaccination status.
  • Vaccination proof will be requested when the facility is open for public events (Social Night, classes, HATCHED, etc). Anyone entering the building for that event who does not show proof of vaccination will be required to wear a mask for the duration of the event.
  • If you have any questions, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Definition of Fully Vaccinated

In general, people are considered fully vaccinated:

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

Acceptable Vaccination Proof

  • Physical vaccination card or picture of card.
  • Vaccine passport (Excelsior Pass)

Social Distancing

  • Regardless of vaccination status, we request that everyone continue to observe social distancing guidelines. The CDC recommends 6 ft of distance between individuals.

Sanitation

  • Used communal PPE should be placed in the "Used PPE" bins to be sanitized before reuse. We reccomend bringing your own PPE if possible. 

Sign-in/Sign-Out

  • Members shall swipe their fob whenever entering or exiting the building (including when accessing the restrooms). There are fob readers at the first floor front and rear doors.

COVID Contact

Symptomatic, Positive Test, or Close Contacted Individuals

  • All individuals shall follow the NYS Guidelines for those who have tested positive or been exposed to COVID-19. 
  • Members who develop symptoms or test positive should notify COG staff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if they have been in the building within the past 2 days. They should also note any members that they may have been in close contact with while in the building. As a courtesy, COG staff will notify those members of a possible exposure. The name of the infected will remain annonymous. 
  • Individuals should not enter the facility if they have:
    • Tested positive within the last 5 days
    • Are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. 

Re-entry Following Possible Exposure

  • Individuals who have completed their 5 day isolation period and are no longer experiencing symptoms may re-enter the building. 
  • Unvaccinated individuals who came into contact with someone reporting illness or symptoms of possible illness shall complete their self quarantine period before re-entry. 
  • Membership charges can be paused for anyone needing to observe isolation. Fully vaccinated members who have been potentially exposed can also request a pause in membership charges in order to complete the recommended 14-day observation period.

Guests

  • Members shall complete the GUEST SIGN IN at the front desk, which includes name, contact info, and time of visit.
  • LIMIT 3 Guests at a time per member. For larger groups, please request permission from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least 2 business days in advance. 
  • Guests must follow the same COVID procedures as members. If your guest is denied access to the building due to failing to adhere to policies, you will be denied as well.
  • Your guest is your responsibility and you must escort them to sign in and to exit. You are responsible for ensuring they remain masked.

Tours

  • Tours are available by request. Virtual tours are available on our website here. Request a tour by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Walk-in requests for tours may be performed at the discretion of Staff or volunteers, should they be available, if building capacity is low enough to ensure social distancing. Tours should be limited to those who are interested in joining as a member. Masks are required.

Classes & Events

  • Any visitor to TVCOG must be free of COVID related symptoms. If you are showing signs of COVID related symptoms and cannot attend your class, you have the option to request a full refund up to 1 week before your class begins. After this point, students experiencing symptoms may request a full class credit up to the morning of the class.
  • Students will be asked to complete a COVID waiver and sign a COVID Safety Pledge, and provide contact tracing information during the registration process. Everyone is expected to maintain social distance (6′) from individuals outside of their own group while in the facility; class sizes have been limited to ensure there is adequate space to social distance during classes. 
  • Masks may be required for all participants of certain classes or events, regardless of participant vaccination status; please check the event description for more information.
  • If the event or class you are attending offers the option for fully vaccinated individuals to forgo a mask, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination during check in. You may email us a copy of your vaccine passport or card ahead of time at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Those unable to produce eligible proof of vaccination will be required to stay masked. . 
  • All shared tools/equipment will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after each class.

Non-Compliance Policy

  • Members found out of compliance with any of these policies will be suspended until TVCOG policies and procedures for pandemic are lifted.
  • We reserve the right to request proof of vaccination status via the Excelsior Pass or other appropriate method.
  • Membership payments will be paused during the time of suspension. No refunds will be issued.