PWP COVID-19 Response

Prairie Wind Players developed a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan during the gathering restrictions phase of the pandemic. The opening summary of this plan is outlined below, along with a link at the end of this page to the full plan documents.

As pandemic restrictions slowly relax and PWP returns to a more “normal” operating status, the plan continues as a guide for operations by selectively implementing appropriate measures based on local and regional trends and data obtained from the Minnesota Department of Health and Horizon Public Health. This information is used to determine any necessary adjustments to our controls, such as the reinstatement of face covering recommendations for fall productions.

For events in our 2022 season, PWP does not anticipate implementing capacity or distancing restrictions as our venue supports flexible seating arrangements;. Further, PWP does not anticipate requiring proof of vaccination status or recent negative test results for patrons or attendees of any production. PWP will post signage and messaging to encourage self-assessment of COVID-19 symptoms visitors may exhibit and the strong recommendation all patrons, whenever possible, wear face coverings inside Roosevelt Hall.

It is imperative to understand the PWP Board of Directors afford event producers and directors full discretion in additional restrictions for their participants (cast and crew), which may require participants to provide proof of vaccination. Under all circumstances, the Board of Directors encourages dialogue among key stakeholders to ensure a safe and successful event is held.

COVID-19 Preparedness Plan

Prairie Wind Players is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our artists, patrons, guests, and volunteers. To ensure we have a safe and healthy environment, Prairie Wind Players has developed the following COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Managers, producers, and volunteers are all responsible for implementing this plan. Our goal is to mitigate the potential for transmission of COVID-19 in our venue and in the communities we serve, and that requires full cooperation among our participants. Only through this cooperative effort can we establish and maintain the safety and health of all persons in our venue.

The COVID-19 Preparedness Plan is administered by the Prairie Wind Players Board of Directors, who maintains the overall authority and responsibility for the plan. However, managers, producers, and volunteers are equally responsible for supporting, implementing, complying with and providing recommendations to further improve all aspects of this COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.

Prairie Wind Players’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan follows the industry guidance developed by the state of Minnesota, available at the Stay Safe Minnesota website, which is based upon Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines for COVID-19, Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA) statutes, rules and standards, and Minnesota’s relevant and current executive orders. It addresses, when and where applicable:

  • ensuring sick participants stay home and prompt identification and isolation of sick persons;
  • physical distancing – participants must be at least six-feet apart;
  • hygiene and source controls, including face coverings;
  • building and ventilation protocol;
  • cleaning and disinfection protocol; and
  • communications and training practices and protocol.

Prairie Wind Players has reviewed and incorporated the industry guidance applicable to our business provided by the state of Minnesota for the development of this plan, including the following industry guidance for entertainment and meeting venues and indoor venues. Other conditions and circumstances included in the industry guidance and addressed in the plan that are specific to our operations include:

  • additional protections and protocol for venue access and assignment;
  • additional protections and protocol for distancing and barriers;
  • additional protections and protocols for managing occupancy;
  • additional protocols to limit face-to-face interaction;
  • additional protections for receiving or exchanging payment; and
  • additional protections related to live entertainment.

The full text of the PWP COVID-19 Preparedness Plan is available for review.