Will the Coronavirus affect our Latin social dance scene and classes? Well it does not have to!!!
Check out what we can do to ensure our dance community stay healthy!
HELLO ADRDC Family Members and Friends :
Thank you for your confidence in Almas Del Ritmo Dance Company (ADRDC) for your Afro – Latin Dance Education and Entertainment. As you know, COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is spreading throughout the country, and is now present in St Louis, St Louis County, and in Illinois. The safety and security of our ADRDC family and friends is our top priority. We would like to share with you a little information about COVID-19, and what ADRDC is doing to help prevent the spread of the virus.
What is Coronavirus?
According to the experts, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. It is contagious through respiratory droplets, like the common cold or influenza. COVID-19 is still rare and it is unlikely that you will contract it, but more widespread disease could become possible. Majority of those who have gotten sick with COVID-19 have recovered completely. There is a very small percentage need medical or hospital care.
What should we be doing in our dance scene?
Since dance is our first love and we come in very close contact with each other, it is so important we take precautions while dancing in classes and or social settings. There are a few things we can do to keep our dance scene safe.
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- When you get a moment, or there are long breaks between songs or class time, go to the restroom to wash your hands. Understanding it’s a pain to keep going, but safety first.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- This is a hard one. We do this so frequently and without realizing we are doing it. But as much as possible try to make a conscious effort to catch yourself before you raise your hand to scratch your noise or rub your eyes.
3. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands as above.
- If possible pack tissue in your dance bag. If you don’t have it that is fine. Cough or sneeze in the sleeve of your elbow, however remember that respiratory droplets may still be present on your sleeve so if you can get those tissues please do and toss them in the trash afterward use. DO NOT use your hands and then go asking someone to dance.
4. Use hand sanitizer if you are not able to get to the restroom to wash your hands.
-Especially in class as we rotate partners, or the DJ puts on that other great song you like and you got to dance to it. It’s nice to have a small bottle of hand sanitizer that you can keep in your pocket or in your shoe bag. When time is a factor and you cant run to the restroom to wash your hands grab that sanitizer, it will knock out some of the germs.
5. If you don’t feel well, stay home.
- If you are just not feeling well it is best to just stay home. Don’t chance it you not getting better or passing it on to someone in class. Besides there will always be a chance to dance in the days an weeks to come.
Traveling to Dance
One of the things we love to do as well is travel. We are at many congresses, festivals, and events across the country and these same practices will also come in handy as we are in and out of train / bus stations and airports. However we don't have to be on every set. If it is an event that can wait, it is best to avoid unnecessary travel. Trust you won't miss out. There is an event somewhere every weekend. Just use the best judgment if this is an event that can be missed or not.
What is Almas Del Ritmo doing to keep classes and events safe?
ADRDC is monitoring the outbreaks closely by visiting the Center of Disease Control’s (CDC) website for updates. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/. We understand the concern but feel we can continue to keep the studio open and events going unless CDC and reliable local health agencies suggest other wise. By following their procedures we are confident in keeping a healthy and safe environment. The dance studio is cleaned every day with disinfectant. Doorknobs, Zumba weights and other dance equipment are always wiped down after use. We remind students that hand sanitizer is out for easy access, and we always pray for we know where our help comes from. We are not walking in fear and paranoia, but in wisdom, precaution and faith.
What to do if you feel Symptoms
Here are a few other tips if you start to feel any symptoms ..
If you become ill with fever, cough and shortness of breath, especially if you have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you have recently been in an area with spread of COVID-19, contact your physician. If you suspect you might have COVID-19:
1. Do not show up at your doctor's office unannounced. Call ahead, or contact the County Health Department .
2. Do not leave your home except to get medical care.
3. Separate yourself from other people
4. Monitor your symptoms.
Should you have a high level exposure, you may be referred to the Health Department or an area hospital for testing. People with colds, runny noses, coughs, most viruses, lower respiratory infections, and various forms of the flu do not need to go to the hospital unless they are experiencing a respiratory emergency. If you are not sure of what to do, call your doctor!
Understanding is everything and like to old saying goes…
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!
Listed below are a few resources you can call for help. Please be good to yourself and others by using them if you don’t feel easy.
Stay Healthy, We need you on the dance floor!!!
National
Center of Disease Control
Missouri
St. Louis City Department of Health: (314) 612-5100
St. Louis County Department of Health: (314) 615-2660
Jefferson County Health Department: (636) 797-3737
St. Charles County Health Department: (636) 949-7400
Missouri State Health Department 24 hour COVID-19 Hotline: (877) 435-8411
Illinois
St. Clair County Health Department: (618) 233-7703 ext. 7 or DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV