Respiratory Infection Safety Guidelines

Updated August 2024

As of 2024 there are multiple transmissible respiratory illnesses in circulation, some with the potential for long-lasting or life-threatening health effects. As a community oriented organization, WindowDressers strives to provide a safe environment for anyone who wishes to volunteer. To that end, we provide the following guidelines, based on CDC recommendations, and encourage everyone who attends a community build to observe them as able.

WindowDressers will stay informed about any changes in CDC guidelines and act accordingly.

WindowDressers staff and volunteers may NOT refuse service to anyone based on their vaccination status.

• Measuring Teams are required to ask the customer if they want Measurers to wear masks during the measuring appointment.
• On the morning of the appointment, measurers call each customer and screen for symptoms of respiratory illness, especially a fever and/or persistent cough.
  • If the customer answers “yes” to the screening questions, their appointment is rescheduled until after they have been symptom free for 24 hours
  • If the customer answers “no” to the to the screening questions, the measurer proceeds with the appointment.
  • The measurer may wear a mask to the appointment if that is their personal preference.

WindowDressers recommends the following:

• Customers open doors and windows for one hour before the measuring appointment to increase ventilation in the home.

WindowDressers recommends the following:

• Voluntary Masking at all Community Builds.
• Screening at the door for respiratory infection symptoms, such as cough and fever.
• Stations set up 6′ apart. Try to have 2 members of the same household work together at assembly and wrapping tables.
• If possible, keep windows and doors open to provide as much ventilation as possible.
• Use fans to increase air circulation, when possible.
• The Community Meal may be altered or eliminated, as decided by the local organizing team.

Please Note: The local organizing team may opt for more strict protocols than official WindowDressers protocols at the hands-on Community Build.