The safety of our Fellows and staff is our top priority. VCCA will be following all CDC, state, and federal recommendations and guidelines as they evolve.
These guidelines are subject to change.
On your residency contract, you will be asked to agree to abide by VCCA COVID guidelines. Fellows refusing to abide by the guidelines will be asked to leave.
Requirements for Residency
COVID-19 vaccination and an updated CDC-recommended booster are required for any residency at VCCA. Updated boosters have been available in the U.S. since September 2022. Exceptions may be made for those with verified health concerns preventing vaccination/booster shots and for those whose country of residence does not provide a booster. Documentation is required as proof of vaccination status and/or exemption.
Fellows are required to complete a COVID Waiver form no later than 14 days prior to arrival.
Monitor Your health
We ask that you stay home if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of COVID-19. We will work with you to reschedule your residency. If you develop any of these symptoms while at VCCA, please notify the office immediately.
- Fever or chills
- New loss of taste or smell
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Congestion or runny nose
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle or body aches
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
If you learn that you have been exposed to COVID-19
Please contact VCCA immediately at vcca@vcca.com, plan to mask during your first 10 days, and follow CDC guidelines for isolation and testing. Notify VCCA if you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19.
Traveling to VCCA
Please follow all CDC guidelines while traveling to VCCA.
- Use masks.
- Practice physical distancing.
- Practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
More information available here.
Prior to Arrival at VCCA
We ask Fellows to take a COVID test before traveling to VCCA and to take another test three days after arrival.
- Please bring a rapid COVID-19 test kit that you will self-administer three days after arrival.
- A Fellow testing positive before or after arrival should inform VCCA staff immediately.
Upon arrival at VCCA
- We encourage all Fellows, especially those who have traveled through transportation hubs, to mask for their first three days.
- We ask all Fellows to bring with them a COVID rapid test to self-administer three days after arrival. A Fellow testing positive should inform VCCA staff immediately.
- If you begin to have symptoms at any time during your residency, take a COVID test and inform VCCA staff immediately if you test positive.
- Practice physical distancing.
- Practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
- We encourage all Fellows to keep their distance from others, especially during their first week of residency.
- Fellows are always welcome to wear a mask and maintain social distance if they are more comfortable doing so.
Accommodations
Each Fellow will be assigned a private bedroom with private, en-suite bathroom and individually controlled HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), as well as a private studio with individually controlled HVAC.
Housekeeping
Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the common areas around the property.
Cleaning supplies will be provided in every bedroom and studio. Clean and sanitize your workspace and bathroom.
Housekeeping will enter and clean your bedroom unless you state otherwise. If you prefer that housekeeping not enter and clean your room, please notify housekeeping by submitting an online maintenance request. If you prefer that your room not be cleaned, you will be provided with clean linens and towels for your bedroom each week.
Laundry facilities are available for use by Fellows.
Between residencies, bedrooms and studios are aired out and cleaned thoroughly using enhanced cleaning protocols, based on CDC recommendations.
Food Services
Outdoor dining is available on the patio outside the Fellows Residence. There are also outdoor tables at the Studio Barn that can be used at lunch.
VCCA is pleased to partner with Meriwether Godsey Inc for its food services. A company committed to stewardship, reduced waste, and sourcing food locally, Meriwether Godsey has a great reputation for innovative menus and close attention to food sensitivities and allergies. The company partners with regional businesses and schools, including nearby Sweet Briar College.
From Meriwether Godsey:
Meriwether Godsey is committed to the health and safety of our communities. The dining staff is here to feed you, keep you safe, and welcome you! This is our promise to you – In partnership with local government and health officials, we are committed to the following policies and practices:
- Dining Staff will make safety our number one priority through sanitation and safe food handling with increased vigilance.
- Dining Staff will be monitored daily for wellness.
- All managers and supervisors are ServSafe certified and have completed COVID-19 training and certification.
- All tables, chairs, and contact surfaces will be cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected regularly.
- All service areas and seating areas will comply with state social distancing guidelines.
- Hand sanitizer will be readily available to all guests and staff.
Kitchens at the Studio Barn
There are three kitchens at the Studio Barn available for use by Fellows. Each kitchen is furnished with a microwave, refrigerator, and cleaning supplies. The main kitchen in the Studio Barn also has a stove and dishwasher. Please place your dishes in the dishwasher for a fully sanitizing wash. The dishwasher will be run by the facilities staff each day.
Updated May 31, 2023