Midland Shared Spaces, Inc. (MSS) Coronavirus Preparedness
May 17, 2021
In keeping with recent announcements from the CDC, MSS will no longer require masks for vaccinated tenants or guests in common spaces. We ask that persons who have not received the COVID-19 vaccination continue to wear masks when inside the MSS facility.
The MSS facility and meeting spaces are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For room reservations, click here.
April 26, 2021
Effective Monday, May 3, all MSS Shared Rooms will reopen to 100% capacity. Room reservations will be available to tenants and outside agencies via the MSS website. Please consider the following:
- MSS will continue to accommodate social distancing requests by agencies.
- Masks are highly recommended when social distancing is not possible in all spaces.
- MSS requests masks continue to be worn in all common areas of the building.
MSS will begin accepting reservations for full capacity immediately for meetings scheduled Monday, May 3 or after. For more information about room reservations, please click here.
March 4, 2021
In response to the executive order issued by Governor Abbott on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, which removed operating limits for any business and the mandate of face coverings, MSS will adhere to the following protocol:
Effective Immediately:
Regarding Masks:
- MSS will continue to request face coverings be worn in all common areas and shared spaces of the MSS Facility.
- Tenant Leadership will define face covering requirements within their leased space for their staff and visitors. For those in agencies who wish to require masks, please post a sign at the door of the agency. Signs will be made available by MSS on request.
- MSS staff members will continue to wear face coverings in all common areas and shared spaces of the MSS Facility.
- MSS Staff members will also wear face coverings when entering occupied tenant suites.
Regarding Space Capacity:
- MSS shared rooms will remain at 50% capacity in order to maintain six feet of social distance for occupants.
-
As a reminder, the current shared room capacity is as follows:
- Conference Rooms A and B – 3 people
- Board Room A and B – 7 people
- Training Room – 16 people
- Community Room – 18-30 people dependent upon setup needs
- Break Rooms – 5 people
- Work Rooms – 2 people
MSS shared rooms will remain available to tenant agencies. MSS will work to accommodate community nonprofits when possible.
June 26, 2020
With recent increases in positive COVID-19 cases throughout our community, MSS requests that masks be worn in all common spaces of the building. We ask that masks be worn as you exit your suite and in workrooms, breakrooms, and restrooms.
MSS has provided several disposable masks to each agency Executive Director. If you need more, there is a small amount still available on request.
Helpful hint: our team has found the reusable cotton masks available at Old Navy to be affordable, comfortable, and stylish. (https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=1157699)
Please encourage all employees, volunteers, clients and visitors to wear a mask on entering the MSS Facility.
If you are attending or hosting a meeting, the use of masks once inside MSS shared meeting rooms is at the discretion of the participants. Though MSS highly recommends virtual meetings hosted via Skype, Zoom, or the like, meeting rooms will remain available to tenant agencies only. MSS will maintain current capacity limits with the recommended 6 feet of social distancing. Please maintain these distances within your meetings by not rearranging furniture.
As a reminder, the current shared room capacity is as follows:
- Conference Rooms A and B – 3 people
- Board Room A and B – 7 people
- Training Room – 16 people
- Community Room – 18-30 people dependent upon setup needs
- Break Rooms – 5 people
- Work Rooms – 2 people
Please also consider only one person in an elevator or on the stairs at a time.
In the break rooms, masks should be worn when 6’ social distancing cannot be maintained. Please also:
- Use disposable goods instead of shared dishes
- Use hand sanitizer or wash hands before and after use of appliances, handles, knobs, etc. Don’t touch anything you don’t need to.
- Clean the table where you ate before and after use.
- Clean the surfaces of the coffee pots before and after each use.
June 9, 2020
Effective Tuesday, June 9, in keeping with recent orders from the State of Texas, MSS will increase the capacity of its shared meeting rooms. Use of these spaces remains restricted to Tenant Agencies only.
Please consider reducing the number of in-person meeting participants by continuing to utilize remote connection opportunities such as Zoom and Skype for Business. Technology necessary to accommodate virtual meetings in the Training and Community Rooms will be available. Please also encourage your in-person participants to utilize masks and appropriate PPE.
Conference and Board Rooms are now available at the following capacities:
Conference Rooms A and B: 3
Board Rooms A and B: 7
Each space has been carefully measured and marked for correct placement of chairs to ensure 6 ft of separation between meeting participants. Please DO NOT remove the blue tape from tables and adhere to chair placement. Please encourage your guests to maintain social distancing on entering and exiting spaces as well as throughout the meeting. Continue to utilize the provided cleaning materials to disinfect all touched services including tables, chairs, and doorknobs at the conclusion of your event.
The Training Room and Community Room are now available at the following capacities:
Training Room: 16
Community Room: 18 with tables or 34 in classroom style seating
Please note, to maintain 6 ft. of social distance between participants, these capacities are achievable in limited layout options. As these large room reservations are received, the MSS team will communicate with you on the best layout to accommodate your guests while maintaining social distance.
These increased capacities are available effective immediately. In order to support social distancing, excess chairs will be removed from the conference and board rooms. MSS staff will work with agencies utilizing the Training and Community Rooms to design a setup that accommodates social distancing requirements. Tenants are expected to exercise elevated cleaning precautions by cleaning all tables, chairs, doorknobs, and other items that may have been touched throughout your meeting with the provided materials.
If guests are utilizing disposable PPE, please remind them that there are trashcans throughout the building and at the entrances for their use.
May 15, 2020
Effective Monday, May 4, shared meeting rooms will be available for tenant agencies’ use only at a reduced capacity of 25% until further guidance is received from the state. Additionally, the atrium will remain closed until further notice.
Please consider reducing the number of in-person meeting participants by continuing to utilize remote connection opportunities such as Zoom and Skype for Business. Technology necessary to accommodate virtual meetings in the Training and Community Rooms will be available. Please also encourage your in-person participants to utilize masks and appropriate PPE.
For your awareness, shared room capacity is as follows until further notice:
Conference Rooms A and B – 2 people
Board Room A and B – 5 people
Training Room – 8 people
Community Room – 20 people
Break Rooms – 5 people (please be self-aware when entering and exiting the break areas)
In order to support social distancing, excess chairs will be removed from the conference and board rooms. MSS staff will work with agencies utilizing the Training and Community Rooms to design a setup that accommodates social distancing requirements. Tenants are expected to exercise elevated cleaning precautions by cleaning all tables, chairs, door knobs and other items that may have been touched throughout your meeting with the provided materials.
If your guests are utilizing disposable PPE, please remind them that there are trashcans throughout the building and at the entrances for their use.
We understand that many of you are eager to return to the workplace and “get back to normal.” We are with you, BUT we ask that you join us in tempering that eagerness and consider options to continue a remote working environment and to promote safe social distancing. Please consider the continuation of virtual meetings whenever possible and restrict guests attending meetings in-person. (At this time, MSS plans to conduct all meetings virtually via Zoom through May.)
Finally, as we expect an increase in tenant staff working on-site, please be sure to continue the elevated cleaning and disinfection efforts in your suites. Again, please encourage your team members to utilize PPE when utilizing shared spaces or meeting with others.
The MSS team will be scheduling cleaning and disinfection of the shared break rooms throughout the day. There will be disinfection materials available in the break rooms for your use. We are also working to ensure that hand soap and sanitizer dispensers remain filled throughout the building.
May 1, 2020
Effective Monday, May 4, shared meeting rooms will be available for tenant agencies’ use only at a reduced capacity of 25% until further guidance is received from the state. Additionally, the atrium will remain closed until further notice.
Please consider reducing the number of in-person meeting participants by continuing to utilize remote connection opportunities such as Zoom and Skype for Business. Technology necessary to accommodate virtual meetings in the Training and Community Rooms will be available. Please also encourage your in-person participants to utilize masks and appropriate PPE.
For your awareness, shared room capacity is as follows until further notice:
Conference Rooms A and B – 2 people
Board Room A and B – 5 people
Training Room – 8 people
Community Room – 20 people
Break Rooms – 5 people (please be self-aware when entering and exiting the break areas)
In order to support social distancing, excess chairs will be removed from the conference and board rooms. MSS staff will work with agencies utilizing the Training and Community Rooms to design a setup that accommodates social distancing requirements. Tenants are expected to exercise elevated cleaning precautions by cleaning all tables, chairs, door knobs and other items that may have been touched throughout your meeting with the provided materials.
If your guests are utilizing disposable PPE, please remind them that there are trashcans throughout the building and at the entrances for their use.
We understand that many of you are eager to return to the workplace and “get back to normal.” We are with you, BUT we ask that you join us in tempering that eagerness and consider options to continue a remote working environment and to promote safe social distancing. Please consider the continuation of virtual meetings whenever possible and restrict guests attending meetings in-person. (At this time, MSS plans to conduct all meetings virtually via Zoom through May.)
Finally, as we expect an increase in tenant staff working on-site, please be sure to continue the elevated cleaning and disinfection efforts in your suites. Again, please encourage your team members to utilize PPE when utilizing shared spaces or meeting with others.
The MSS team will be scheduling cleaning and disinfection of the shared break rooms throughout the day. There will be disinfection materials available in the break rooms for your use. We are also working to ensure that hand soap and sanitizer dispensers remain filled throughout the building.
April 13, 2020
MSS continues to actively monitor the rapidly evolving situation around the spread of the COVID-19/coronavirus.
Effective March 13, all meeting rooms have been CLOSED until further notice. Meetings currently on the schedule will be canceled. MSS will continue to monitor and communicate when the reservation system will become available.
The MSS facility will remain open to tenant staff, but ask that each tenant seriously consider limiting outside visitors to the building. The MSS administration team will continue to work remotely until Friday, May 1, 2020, at which time MSS will re-evaluate and communicate further. The facility team will be in and out at their discretion to monitor systems and maintain the cleanliness of the facility.
All MSS staff will be accessible during business hours to support your needs. Please do not hesitate to reach out as needed via phone or email.
Thank you for your understanding and support!
March 27, 2020
MSS continues to actively monitor the rapidly evolving situation around the spread of the COVID-19/coronavirus.
Effective March 13, all meeting rooms have been CLOSED until further notice. Meetings currently on the schedule will be canceled. MSS will continue to monitor and communicate when the reservation system will become available.
The MSS facility will remain open to tenant staff, but ask that each tenant seriously consider limiting outside visitors to the building. The MSS administration team will continue to work remotely until Friday, April 3 at which time MSS will re-evaluate and communicate further. The facility team will be in and out at their discretion to monitor systems and maintain the cleanliness of the facility.
All MSS staff will be accessible during business hours to support your needs. Please do not hesitate to reach out as needed via phone or email.
Thank you for your understanding and support!
March 20, 2020
MSS is actively monitoring the rapidly evolving situation around the spread of the COVID-19/coronavirus.
Effective immediately, all meeting rooms will be CLOSED until further notice. Meetings currently on the schedule will be canceled. MSS will continue to monitor and communicate when the reservation system will become available.
The MSS facility will remain open to tenant staff, but ask that each tenant seriously consider limiting outside visitors to the building. The MSS administration team will be working remotely beginning Monday, March 22 through Friday, March 27 at which time MSS will re-evaluate and communicate further. The facility team will be in and out at their discretion to monitor systems and maintain the cleanliness of the facility.
All MSS staff will be accessible during business hours to support your needs. Please do not hesitate to reach out as needed via phone or email.
Thank you for your understanding and support!
March 16, 2020
The COVID-19/coronavirus is an “emerging, rapidly evolving situation.” MSS is a public facility open to a wide variety of agency employees, clients, and guests. MSS is also home to MCADS, a facility that serves a population of clients highly susceptible to this respiratory disease. For these reasons, we feel that it’s important we share this information with you. It is critical that we work together to ensure the health and safety of all MSS facility users. Please take the time to understand what you can do to prevent the spread of illness and to be familiar with the symptoms of COVID-19.
Out of an abundance of caution, all outside agency rentals will be temporarily unavailable. Existing reservations scheduled before March 30 will be canceled and fully refunded. Any outside agency reservations currently scheduled beyond March 30 will remain on the schedule. MSS will continue to monitor the pandemic and communicate with those agencies as needed.
There will be no restrictions placed on tenant agency room reservations at this time. As you prepare for your scheduled meetings and events, please consider the CDC recommendations regarding the number of attendees. Also, please remember to use the provided hospital-grade cleaning materials to wipe clean the tables, chair arms, door handles, and other often touched surfaces before you exit the space.
Symptoms
Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and include Fever, Cough, and Shortness of Breath. For more information on what to do if you are sick, click here.
Be Aware
Our facility is home to agencies that work with senior citizens as clients or volunteers. Please consider that this population is particularly susceptible to the coronavirus. We utilize the same HVAC system and shared spaces. Do not enter the facility if you are sick or have been exposed to someone who may have the coronavirus.
Take Precautions
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Consider NO handshakes.
- Self-Isolate (STAY HOME) - If you are sick, please do not enter the MSS facility.
Clean Surfaces
It is believed that Covid-19 can be contracted by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it. If you utilize a shared meeting room, your support in maintaining cleanliness is more important than ever. Materials are available for you to wipe down tables, chairs arms, door handles, and all frequently touched surfaces before you exit the meeting space.
What is MSS doing?
Our team is working to ensure the cleanliness of the shared spaces. All public/shared/common space and entry door handles will be disinfected daily with hospital quality disinfectant. Meeting spaces are outfitted with hospital quality disinfectant for use following each room reservation. We will continue to monitor the progression of this outbreak and make decisions as needed to maintain a healthy environment for all MSS tenant employees.
For more information on COVID-19, visit the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/index.html or Texas Health and Human Services at https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/