Dear Empower students and families,
The COVID-19 ( Corona Virus ) is a great concern we would like to address today. 
As of right now, classes will resume as scheduled. We are increasing the frequency that we are cleaning and disinfecting our studio.  We are implementing going over most frequently touched places such as bathrooms, door handles, mats, barres and more in order to help keep our students  healthy. There is hand sanitizer available in every studio and in the lobby for the dancers and staff to use as well as hand soap in the bathrooms. When washing our hands please take 30 seconds to get the job done thoroughly. For younger children, ask them to sing the alphabet song while washing, this allows the 30 second wash to be more efficient.
As far as competitions and performances go, we are currently awaiting to hear if any are postponed due to this, and will get the information out to you as soon as we have it. 
Our state officials and educated professionals are asking for your help with the following:
1. Any students or staff members that have or have had a fever of 99.9 or above in the past 24-48 hrs. please stay home. 
2.  If a student or staff member has stayed home from school or work, they should not come to dance classes. 
3.  Please send your student with a water bottle with their name on it.  I would like to limit use of the drinking fountains as much as possible. Please tell your dancers to double check bottles before drinking from them to ensure it is indeed theirs.
4.  We are encouraging students to wash their hands before and after class and restroom use  and to not share food, drinks, chapstick or anything else with anyone.
We are keeping an eye on what our state officials are suggesting to help keep us all safe. 
Thank you for your understanding and help with this serious matter.
Sincerely,
Empower Dance 

Here are some additional tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including the coronavirus:+  • Please wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. 
 • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and other people and their property.  •  Please avoid close contact with people who are sick and also avoid going around people if you are sick.  • Cover your mouth when you  cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Coughing and sneezing into elbows or clothing can help.   More info from  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be found: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html