If we’ve learned anything over the past 18 months, it’s that adaptability is key. With that in mind, we’re delighted to finally be in a position to relax some of our strictest rules imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19. We’re only able to do this because of increasing vaccination rates, plummeting case rates, and the leadership shown by Oregon Governor Kate Brown, who recently announced some very good news about Oregon’s progress along its reopening timeline.

“It’s been 489 days since COVID-19 was discovered in Oregon. I don’t think any of us could have realized how fundamentally the virus would alter our way of life… It is not over and we still have work to do, but today, we can celebrate moving forward, together,” said Governor Kate Brown.

In response to these shifting conditions, we’re making some changes, too—while still keeping everybody’s safety top of mind. Beginning July 6, we’re thrilled to be taking our next steps towards a full reopening at VIDA. After careful consultation with local and national public health guidelines, here’s what’s changing:

Masks

  • Masks will not be required in the main space, although members who still wish to wear masks will be more than welcome to do so.
  • Masks will still be required in the back kitchen and West Wing, including transiting those spaces on the way to the Vintage Boardroom and Fitness Studio.
  • Masks will still be required for children under 12 years of age.
  • We are committed to working with members who prefer to work in a space where people are fully masked. If that’s you, please talk with us and we’ll make sure to find you a dedicated workspace you’re comfortable with.
  • If our community-wide vaccination rate drops below 70%, or a variant becomes rampant or dangerous, we may require masks again.

Space & Access

  • Members must still check in upon arrival using our front desk system.
  • The front door will be unlocked for easier access.
  • Coffee and tea will reopen for self-service.
  • We will continue our enhanced cleaning practices.
  • Enhanced HVAC systems installed during the pandemic will remain in effect.
  • Conference rooms must still be reserved ahead of time, but we will return to normal capacity limits.

Communication

  • In an effort to provide as much information as possible to our members and those who come into our space, our anonymized community vaccination rate will be posted each week at the front door.
  • Any information we have about members who have tested positive for Covid-19 will be shared anonymously with the VIDA community. If you test positive, please let us know so we can share information.

We’re so proud of how careful and conscientious the VIDA community has been during the pandemic. We’ve only been able to remain open thanks to the hard work of our members. Now, as we move closer to being able to interact normally once again, we’re grateful to be part of a community that truly sees how we’re all in this together, and is willing to work together to keep our space safe, clean, and healthy.

We’d also like to send a big thanks to all of the healthcare professionals and front line workers who have “gone an extra 100 miles during this pandemic” to be sure that our city, state and communities were taken care of and that we had the supplies and care that we needed. 

As always, if you have questions, concerns, or just want to hear more about how we made these decisions, feel free to reach out.

See you (and your smiling faces) at VIDA!

~Melanie Marconi