Coronavirus (COVID-19): Prevention & Safety Information for Students

COVID SAFETY AT OFTA

The Oklahoma Film & TV Academy is closely monitoring the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and is closely following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

We understand this is a concerning time and people want to protect themselves; standard hygiene practices not only help prevent the spread of these novel viral illnesses, but also more common viruses, such as the flu.

Below are the steps OFTA is taking to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses during classroom activities. These steps are very similar to the precautions that are currently being made on films shooting in Oklahoma during this time. 

Before the Class

As we always recommend, if you have been ill or have any signs of illness within 24-72 hours prior to the class (fever, cough, breathing difficulties/shortness of breath, or other symptoms) you should not attend class and instead contact OFTA to reschedule your training. When scheduling classes, you will be reminded about rescheduling if you have any symptoms of illness prior to class.

Please be assured that all non-disposable equipment used during the class will have been cleaned prior to student use. The cleaning process:

• Follows CDC guidance, including updated COVID-19 guidance
• Is based on manufacturers’ directions
• Adheres to instructions for cleaning product use

During the Class

Your instructor will review the procedures we take during all classes to minimize the risk of infection. When using training equipment, we will follow these practices:

• Instructors and students must wear face coverings during class and while in the facility. If students cannot wear a face covering to their OFTA class, they will not be admitted into the class and must reschedule. It is understood that all students temperatures will be taken prior to building entry.

Instructors and students must perform hand hygiene using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• At a minimum, hand hygiene should be performed at the following times:
  • Beginning and end of class
  • Before and after meals and breaks
• Every student must wear gloves during all skill practices and assessment scenarios.
• There will be 6 feet of separation of students and instructors at all times, as well as no physical contact for the skills.

Appropriate cleaning of all class materials and surfaces, based on CDC guidance and the manufacturers’ approved processes for those cleaning products.

After Class

• All equipment is cleaned using an approved process after each class. The cleaning process follows CDC guidance, the equipment manufacturer’s directions, and the process recommended by the cleaning product manufacturers.
• Any other non-disposable equipment is also cleaned following CDC guidance and the manufacturer’s directions.

Surfaces

• Surfaces should be cleaned using a detergent, or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions (1/3 cup unexpired bleach per gallon of water), alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective
• Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.) In their absence, products with label claims against human coronaviruses or other viruses should be used according to label instructions.
• For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs and drapes, remove visible contamination if present, and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces.

After Cleaning

• Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting and dry completely, or use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims that are suitable for porous surfaces.

For Clothing

• If possible, do not shake dirty laundry. This will minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air.
• Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely.
• If clothing cannot be immediately laundered, store in a sealed disposable bag.