The Chumash Casino, SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, The Granada Theatre, and The Lobero Theatre are still going forth with their planned calendar of shows even as cancelled events due to concern over the coronavirus are becoming increasingly common.
In a statement to the News-Press, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn stated that the tribe has been monitoring the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, since January and have reviewed and implemented the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for preventing the spread of the virus.
The statement read, “In addition to providing regular education to our staff, we have increased he hand sanitizing stations- they can be found in each of our restrooms and at every entrance, and our soap containers in all of the restrooms are continually replenished so that guests and employees can wash their hands regularly. We are working hard to provide the cleanest of environments for all guests and employees to enjoy, routinely cleaning machines, tables, and all dining surfaces.”
With the exception of Dr. Christopher Kerr’s VNA Health event, originally scheduled for today and cancelled Tuesday, The Lobero Theatre is moving forward with all of its remaining scheduled events. Angie Bertucci, the venue’s marketing & communications director told the News-Press that The Lobero is following the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department’s recommended cleaning procedures and referred to a statement from the theater from last week.
It reads, “On March 5, the Santa Barbara Public Health Department stated that the Santa Barbara area remains at low risk of transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and they do not recommend closure of schools, businesses, or any events at this time. All ticket sales are final unless otherwise stated.”
Precautionary steps the theater is taking include disinfecting exterior and interior door handles, tables, and hand railings throughout the premises after every show, placing hand sanitizer in common areas, placing signs in bathrooms to remind patrons to wash their hands, and ensuring that the bathrooms’ soap dispensers are filled.
The Granada Theatre will also be going forth with its upcoming performances, the most immediate State Street Ballet’s performance of “Sleeping Beauty” this Saturday. According to the venue’s Chrisman Executive Director Caren Rager, the theater is remaining open because the county’s public health department has not confirmed any cases of COVID-19. As it monitors further developments regarding the virus with its resident companies, The Granada Theatre “has implemented more stringent and frequent cleaning and disinfecting procedures.”
Ms. Rager said, “Additional hand sanitizer products have been placed in the venue. Signage encourages patrons and staff to follow recommended preventative measures for washing hands and coughing into tissues. The Granada has touchless faucets and soap dispensers throughout the theater. We are monitoring for any new developments and will re-evaluate our steps and actions daily following the guidance and directives.”
SOhO Restaurant & Music Club owner and talent buyer Gail Hansen said her venue will proceed with all scheduled events as there are not as of yet any coronavirus cases in Santa Barbara.
“Since there are no coronavirus cases in SB, we are all systems go,” she said.
email: jgrega@newspress.com
