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COVID-19 Update

Northrop Event COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
Students sit on lawn with Northrop in the background. Both students are wearing masks and sitting six feet apart.

© 2020 Regents of the University of Minnesota.

Northrop has taken a number of safety precautions and is following all state and University of Minnesota requirements now that it has reopened. Guests can be assured their health and safety are top priorities and staff have been thoroughly trained and are following the latest protocols. This plan continues to be updated as needed and this page reflects those changes.

Revised Mar 16, 2022

  • Staff and visitors attending in-person events are asked to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms using the Stay Safe MN Health Screening Checklist. This checklist is included in the pre-event email, and posted at venue entrances. Staff and visitors exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 during their visit will be asked to leave the venue.
  • Throughout the pandemic, the University of Minnesota has aligned with the guidance from the MDH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), paying particular attention to fluctuating COVID-19 transmission rates, cases, and hospitalizations. Effective Mar 21, 2022, face coverings are no longer required. 
  • Individuals may wear masks at any time, and in any location, as a matter of personal protection. As a  community, we will continue to respect and honor the choices of all individuals who feel more comfortable wearing a mask, are immunocompromised, or who are taking additional steps to protect their families or others.
  • Staff and visitors are reminded to wash hands often, get tested, and stay home when ill or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. These reminders are placed on signage throughout the facility and are included in the pre-event email.
  • Northrop’s written communications and tickets will encourage staff and visitors who experience COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of a visit to Northrop to get tested and, if they test positive, contact the Minnesota Department of Health to facilitate contact tracing. Northrop will fully cooperate with University policy and the Minnesota Department of Health for this purpose.
  • Additional information can be found at the University of Minnesota COVID-19 Response updates.

  • Ticket purchases are encouraged to be completed prior to arriving at Northrop. However, walk-up sales will be permitted and patrons can purchase tickets at either the East or West Box Office.
  • Patrons are encouraged to pre-purchase parking to minimize contact at parking facilities.
  • All patrons are strongly encouraged to use mobile tickets, delivered to their personal devices.

  • Northrop works very closely with the University of Minnesota’s Energy Management on HVAC protocols for the venue. The HVAC system was updated during the building’s 2011-2014 renovation.
  • Northrop’s HVAC system is programmed to run an additional two hours overnight to purge the building with fresh air.
  • Outdoor air ventilation will be increased beyond ASHRAE 62.1-2019 Table 6-1.
  • Northrop disabled its demand control ventilation (DCV) and occupancy sensor ventilation controls.
  • Northrop improved filtration to MERV-13 in accordance with the University’s recommended timeline.

  • Northrop works very closely with University of Minnesota’s Facilities Management on cleaning protocols for the venue. FM is performing enhanced cleaning for public spaces, including:
    • Each building entry lobby area and venue entrances have a wall mount or stand mount hand sanitizer dispenser installed and refilled regularly.
    • High-touchpoint areas such as door push bars, door handles, stair railings, elevator buttons, and other areas are cleaned daily.
    • Drinking fountains and water bottle filling stations are cleaned daily.
    • Restrooms are cleaned daily.
    • Vending machines are wiped down daily.
  • Facilities Management is cleaning the venue more frequently using U.S. EPA approved disinfectants for COVID-19.
  • Facilities Management uses electrostatic sprayers to clean the theater seats, locker rooms, and other areas efficiently. These tools wrap surfaces 360 degrees.
  • On days with two performances, a minimum of one hour between shows is required for cleaning per the test that FM has completed.
  • Additional trash cans are placed throughout the lobbies to minimize the travel necessary to reach one.
  • Trash cans are placed at each restroom entrance.
  • Hand sanitizer stations are located inside each building entrance, backstage, and near the vending machine on the Ground Floor West Side.

 

Plan Administrator:

Kari Schloner, Director of Northrop
612-625-0796
kschlone@umn.edu

Northrop’s Re-Opening Committee:

Ken Hahn, Brad Kern, Holly Radis-McCluskey, Bridget Reddan, David Russell, Megan Sangster, Lindsey Siders, Trisha Taylor, Marsha Walker