New performance protocols for public coming to the NAC
COVID-19 Drive-Thru Assessment Centre in the NAC parking garage
Starting November 19, 2020, the Ottawa Hospital will operate a Covid-19 Drive-Thru Assessment Centre in the NAC parking garage. The Centre will ensure our fellow Ottawa residents have access to convenient and accessible Covid-19 testing options. It will also provide shelter, comfort and warmth over the winter months to our community’s health care workers.
Rest assured that we have put in place safety protocols to ensure our employees, artists and audiences are not affected by the presence of the testing site, which mostly operates during daytime hours and is located in an isolated area of our parking garage.
For now, vehicle and pedestrian access to the NAC’s Albert Street garage entrance will be restricted during the day. We ask the public to use one of the other garage entrances.
For more information about Covid-19 testing at the NAC, visit the Ottawa Public Health Health Web site.
Reopening the NAC: What to expect when coming to a performance or event
Our team at the National Arts Centre looks forward to greeting you as soon as we get the green light from public health agencies. Here is a preview of what you can expect when coming to an NAC performance or event:
Everyone will be required to wear a face mask at all times. Social distancing of at least two metres will be in effect throughout our public spaces.
Prior to coming, you will be asked to pre-register when buying your ticket. At that time, we will share instructions about safety protocols, suggested time of arrival and directions to the entrance designated for your event. You will also be asked to provide your contact information for tracing purposes in case the public health agency needs to be in touch.
On the day of the performance or event, you will be greeted by our staff and asked screening questions such as whether you have a fever or been in recent contact with someone with COVID-19.
There will be lots of signage to inform you of distancing guidelines, as well as visual aids, such as markings on the floor along designated pathways, to safely guide you to your seat.
Because visitors will always be required to be two meters apart, you might have to wait a little longer before entering the building. There will be varying maximum occupancy limits in all the spaces, as well as other measures to prevent overcrowding. You will also notice an increased presence of NAC employees and volunteers, including members of our cleaning and security staff, who will be there to ensure your safety.
The water fountains have been disabled. In our public washrooms, every second stall and every second sink will be out of use. With respect to food services, intermission bar service is not available at this time.
Please check this page from time to time for updates.