As the number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grows both in Iowa and in the U.S. we want you to know we are committed to doing what we can to make both our locations a safe work environment as well as helping #FlattenTheCurve. No one, that we’re aware of, in our community has contracted the virus and we’re doing our best to keep ahead of that possibility. As such, the following policies and procedures have been put into place:

1. We’re not scheduling any new community events in March and have postponed the West Des Moines Business Incubator Expert Advice & Founder Fireside that had been planned for this month. We haven’t made a determination on April events (including the DSM Tech Crawl), yet, but will do so in the coming weeks.

2. We are asking all members who feel unwell or are experiencing cold/flu symptoms, even if mild, to please stay at home. If you display obvious signs of sickness, we may ask that you leave. If you are sick with flu symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Learn more here.

3. We’ve encouraged our staff not to come to work if they have any symptoms, which means you may notice some days without staff or a limited staff presence. Our hope is that this will be temporary. However, under special circumstances, please note that we could be unstaffed for up to two weeks. In the event that should occur, you would still be able to reach us via email and Slack. In the event that we have to go unstaffed, the external doors will be locked but monthly members will still have 24x7 access to each space via the Proximity app.

4. Gravitate has hand sanitizer, disinfecting spray, and antiseptic wipes for your protection. Please use them as needed.

5. Hercules, the big yellow coworking dog that hangs out with us downtown, won’t be coming in for a while. He’s licensed as a therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International and they’ve asked therapy teams to suspend activities while it’s determined whether or not doggos can transmit Covid-19. It’s likely not a thing but Herc tends to kiss people, lick the floor, etc. so we’re going to play it safe.

6. Lastly, we ask everyone to keep in mind the following:

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. This is one of the best ways to avoid the spread of germs. Remember to clean the ‘webs’ between fingers and thumbs. CDC recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. You’ve all heard this but remember that hand-sanitizer is not a substitute for washing your hands correctly.
Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes or nose, with your hands.
Sneezing into tissues or your elbow (what the kids call “the dracula sneeze” and Abby calls “dabbing”) can minimize the spread of germs. Always wash your hands with soap and water after you sneeze, or use hand-sanitizer.