Facilities managers are dealing with the question of how to proceed with future events now that Washington Governor Jay Inslee has mandated that large scale public events be cancelled in three western Washington counties, due to the potential health issues related to the Coronavirus.
Spokane Symphony executive director Jeff Vom Saal says his organization is working make sure the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox is safe.
“Extra time spent on cleaning things like arm rests. Having extra cleaning wipes available and signs up there for people to remind them to use them. And any frequently touched surfaces door pulls, handles, hand rails, anything you might do in your home and car. We are trying to remedy any potential contamination that might exist in the theater,” Vom Saal said.
He says the symphony has been coordinating with the Spokane Regional Health District for updates on policy recommendations.
Vom Saal says he would rather err on the side of safety and may even unilaterally cancel events if it appears more cases of coronavirus begin to show up in the Spokane area.
“Decisions that organizations make on the front end can have a huge impact on public health in the long term. So, rather than be reactive after this thing has gotten somewhere, we are in a position to actually have an impact, and I don’t take that lightly,” he said.
Vom Saal says the symphony has heard from several artists who are concerned about their own safety in playing at the venue.
