RIIFF'S MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC ABOUT COVID-19 - MAY 2022 UPDATE

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news,

my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always

find people who are helping.'” - Fred Rogers

________________________________________________

The Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival continues to closely monitor the impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 locally and around the world. Our top priority is always the safety of our patrons, artists, partners, volunteers, board and staff.

RIIFF is dedicated to encouraging an informed and educated community of cinepiles. This could not be more important and relevant than during this period that we are collectively navigating as a community.

We want to make sure our RIIFF communities are current about our thinking and planning. As with many others within the Festival and public presentation environment, we are having daily conversations about what decisions we need to be making as we monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the current public health outbreak. Notably, we are followng recommendations from state, national and world health authorities on how to respond.

The Rhode Island Department of Public Health has issued updated recommendations which can be found here. The current health situation is changing quickly -- and we will update our website regarding RIIFF operations as change occurs. Updates to the public about COVID-19 in general and what you can do to protect yourself are available from the local, state, federal and international public health agencies listed at the end of message.

RIIFF offices closed on Monday, March 16, 2020 and is now open on a limited basis. However, anyone coming into our office must have proof of vaccination and masks are still required indoors. With the spread of omnicron and its variants, even though our staff is vaccinated and boosted, we have no intention of putting anyone at risk.

We are actively promoting social/physical distancing, so please write, call or arrange for a Facetime or Zoom meeting. We'd love to see you, but let's keep it virtual right now as CDC guidance loosens up, but restrictions are still possible as we see an uptick in cases.

Most interns, including new summer hires, will be working from home and will be allowed to enter the office in June 2022 with proof of vaccination. Again, social distancing and masks will also be required.

There are currently no scheduling changes to our August 8-14, 2022 Festival . We will provide ongoing updates as necessary and as we learn more and react to the changing world of COVID-19. We are exploring multiple options on how the Festival will be presented. It will take place, and as with the 2020 and 2021 Festivals, will be an expanded hybrid event with screenings at local drive-ins, outdoor screenings, outdoor events, select indoor screenings and an intense online program. We expect to have 250 films as part of the 2022 Festival.

We are also undertaking planning for the Vortex Festival in October which while having a virtual component, will have a more traditional feel to it. Once again, the levels of vaccination will determine how things play out.

Precautions you should be taking along with practicing "social distancing" (see the recent article in The Atlantic, about "social distancing," click here)

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (as recommended by the CDC). How long is 20 seconds? Check out this short video from Vietnam, click here.

 

• Stay home if your sick or at risk of contracting the coronavirus.

 

• Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.

 

• Use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol if you are unable to wash your hands.

 

• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, disposing of the tissue without contaminating other surfaces.

 

• For more on how to protect yourself, click here

If you have further questions about what is happening in Rhode Island, how the virus is spread and what to do if you have symptoms, please call the state's toll-free number at 1-401-222-8022.

Other coronavirus resources:

• CDC Coronovirus

 

• CDC COVID-19 FAQ

 

• John Hopkins Coronavirus Global Cases

 

• Rhode Island Department of Health

 

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health (Mass.gov)

 

• World Health Organization

 

• COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund

Please take care of yourself. Try and maintain a positive attitude as best you can. Remember, we are literally all in this together!

And, this will have an end.

Stay safe and stay well! We are near the endgame for this pandemic. Stay the course.

Get vaccinated or a Booster shot so we can return to normal, reduce sickness/long-COVID, and stop unnecessary deaths.

Please.

The Flickers' Team

________________________________________________

Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival™

Mailing Address: PO Box 162 • Newport, RI 02840 (United States)
Street Address: 36 Rhode Island Avenue • Newport, RI 02840

Office: 83 Park Street, Suite 5, Providence, RI 02903
Tel/Fax: (401) 861-4445 / 490-6735

email: info@film-festival.org

2022 Copyright Flickers