Dear Members,

As you know, to support public efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the BSA Space gallery is now closed through April 12. Beginning Tuesday, March 17, the BSA office will also be closed. We plan to reopen the office on April 1. Should this schedule change for any reason, we’ll update you by social media, notices on architects.org, through the Currents newsletter, and, if warranted, by email.

Throughout this time, the BSA staff will be working from home to provide you with useful resources related to the challenges of telecommuting and other relevant topics related to COVID-19 mitigation, plus the latest virtual CE programs as they become available. We’re also here to support a full range of other member services. Topical and ongoing services include:

• Access to a hosted webinar that explore best practices for working remotely with a team. Join us Tuesday, March 17, at 6 pm.
• Participation in virtually conducted Knowledge Community meetings; Some KnoCos may meet virtually. Visit the calendar for up-to-date information or reach out to [email protected].
• Have an idea for a virtual KnoCo meeting? Write [email protected]
• Attract qualified job candidates today so your next project team can hit the ground running. Post a job.
• Find a job.
• Watch the latest BSA programs on the WBGB Forum Network.
• Purchase contract documents.
• Find a project partner via our directories.

Like you, we are monitoring the situation and adjusting to its challenges in real time. Please let us know the content, topics, and tools that will help you most during this time of social distancing.

Everyone’s health and safety is our priority.

Best of health to all,

Eric White Hon AIA
Executive Director, BSA

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BELOW WAS PUBLISHED MARCH 12, 2020

Beginning Friday, March 13, the BSA Space gallery is closed for the next 30 days to support public efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. No public or private meetings will be held until further notice.

The BSA offices will be open with minimal staff from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. All member services will be available. Like you, we continue to monitor city and state health recommendations. If this schedule changes, we will post updates on our website, architects.org, our social media, and posted signs. Please contact us with any questions or concerns at [email protected].

Your health and safety is our top priority.

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BELOW WAS PUBLISHED MARCH 11, 2020

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak and increased action by public health officials and private businesses, we want to share with you the steps the BSA is taking to protect the health of our members and staff while continuing to offer you the best service possible. We thank you for your continued partnership, support and flexibility as we all work through this health challenge together.

Encourage people who are sick to stay home
Following the advice of public health officials, we ask that any member or employee experiencing flu-like symptoms stay home and recover.

BSA Operations
We are currently open and hosting visitors in the BSA Space galleries from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and 10 AM to 5 PM on weekends.

The BSA offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. All member services are available.

Cleaning staff are using disinfectant solutions during the regular daily cleaning of all restrooms, in the first floor entrance lobbies, on all doors, door handles and knobs, elevator buttons and panels, and other commonly touched areas.

Meetings at BSA
Beginning today, all gatherings planned for 35 or more people will be canceled or postponed. This policy will remain in effect through March 29 or until further notice.

Scheduled meetings for groups with fewer than 35 people are taking place on a case-by-case basis. We recommend that you check the BSA website architects.org and the calendar page for information on specific programs and events, or call 617-391-4000 before coming to BSA Space. Where possible we will offer phone and/or video conference options for those who cannot attend in person.

Rescheduling meetings
If Knowledge Communities, BSA committees or other group leaders wish to reschedule or cancel a meeting or event, we ask that you contact BSA staff so that we can notify all members and prospective attendees on the website and through digital and social communications in advance.

Accepting cancellations
If health concerns prevent you from attending an event you have already registered for, there will be no penalty for cancellations. This will remain in effect throughout the duration of our response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Supporting local businesses
We are aware of the many local small businesses that cancellations impact adversely, including you, our members. We will try to guard against premature cancellations that may hurt our many partners, while considering the health and safety of the thousands who come to BSA Space.

Finally, whether you are at the BSA or anywhere, we encourage you to follow the recommendations from the CDC and local health officials and

• Greet “handshake-free”
• Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer whenever possible
  (Note we will be installing hand sanitizer stands in the first and second floor galleries as soon as possible. Until these stands arrive, visitors may find stands in the lobbies at 280 and 290 Atlantic Wharf)
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow and avoid touching your face
• Throw used tissues away asap

We will continue to monitor city and state health recommendations and communicate any changes to BSA operations. Thank you for your partnering with us.

Best of health to all,

Eric White Hon. AIA
Executive Director, BSA