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  • Member Services
    • Dec 12, 2020
    • 5 min read

Member Update: COVID Policy


December 2020 COVID Policy Revision

Latest Update: December 12, 2020 Beginning Monday, December 14, 2020, and extending through January 10, 2021, the following changes are in effect in order to bring Nova Labs into compliance with Virginia Executive Order 72. The Board will be continually re-evaluating and updating this guidance as conditions evolve. Please be aware that a temporary closure of Nova Labs is possible in the upcoming weeks. In an effort to remain open, we ask that our members use the space for critical functions only. Critical Changes

  1. All in-person open office hours will be cancelled

  2. All in-person shop classes will be cancelled

  3. The number of reservations available in each space will be reduced to ensure gatherings are below the new threshold of 10 at all times

  4. No hobbyists are allowed 12:00am-5:00am to comply with the EO 72 curfew

  5. Makerschool classes and locations will be adjusted to accommodate the new occupancy loads

Nova Labs is, at heart, a collaborative space full of makers who enjoy sharing their time, talent, and projects. This is our greatest strength. It is also our weakest link during this deadly pandemic. It is absolutely crucial to the continued safe operation of Nova Labs that we demonstrate greater adherence to masks and cleaning procedures. Safe Making Practices

  1. Wipe down all surfaces before and after every use. Do not assume your space and equipment were cleaned by someone else.

  2. Only close-fitting, multi-layer, tightly woven face coverings that completely cover the nose and mouth should be worn.

  3. No masks with exhalation valves will be permitted


  1. Wash your hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds.

  2. Maintain a distance of 6 feet from others at all times.

WARNING: Anyone observed violating these conditions will have their Nova Labs access suspended for 7 days. When to Self-Isolate

  • A 7 day quarantine followed by a negative COVID test or 10 day quarantine is mandatory for all members that have interacted indoors, unmasked, with anyone who is not part of their immediate household for more than 10 minutes.


  1. Updated: December 6 2020

In response to the continued increase in Fairfax County COVID cases, the Nova Labs Directors present this revised policy concerning access to and utilization of Nova Labs, Inc. To all members:

  • A 7 day quarantine followed by a negative COVID test is mandatory for all members that have traveled, had out of town guests visit them, or participated in gatherings over 10 beyond your immediate household; this includes retail and dining venues.

Who Can Access:

  • Board members

  • Officially-appointed Team Leads, Assistant Team Leads, and Coordinators

  • Officially-appointed Stewards and Assistant Stewards

  • Key Members

  • Associate Members

  • Interns

  • Event Hosts and Instructors

  • Minors who are family members of Nova Labs members are allowed if they are closely supervised


  • Members are not allowed to bring visitors or guests at this time.

  • Attendees are prohibited at this time.

  • Tours are allowed only by permission of the Executive Director. Please refer to the Membership Policy for the formal definition of Guest, Attendee, and visitor.

Hours of Access

  • Key Member hobbyists: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week

  • Key Members ProMakers: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week

  • Associate Members: 5:30pm-8:30pm Monday-Friday and 1:00pm-4:00pm Saturday-Sunday


  • All members must make a reservation prior to arrival.

  • No walk-ins

  • Due to the increased need for social distancing, ALL STEWARDS must reserve space. No exceptions.


Allowed Activities

  • Active Making

  • Leadership meetings

  • Use of Innovation Center space requires IC Membership; please contact patrick.thompson@nova-labs.org if interested


  • Eating indoors is not permitted at this time

Criteria for Altering this Policy:

  • We will align our space usage requirements with the guidelines set forth by Governor Northam for the state of Virginia

  • We will strive to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and the White House Coronavirus Task Force

  • Nova Labs leadership reserves the right to enact additional measures in order to comply with the best practices suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and respected epidemiologists


Safety Precautions: Space Cleaning Protocols

  • Daily cleaning of bathrooms, kitchen, and high-touch areas (counters, tables, door handles, etc.)

  • 3.5% Nu-Foamicide or similar EPA-approved disinfectant will be used in a fogging machine to sanitize every room at 1916 and 1930 two times/week Documented via disinfection log mounted in each room

  • MERV12-filtered box fans are being added throughout the non-shop zones, 1 unit per 1000 square feet.

  • Filters are marked with date of install and changed every 3 months

  • Leave the makerspace cleaner than you find it!

Kitchen Usage

  • Do not hand wash dirty dishes (place in the dishwasher immediately after use)

  • No sharing food or beverages

  • Wipe down all surfaces with disinfectant as necessary

  • Throw dirty napkins or paper towels in the trash immediately after use

  • Do not use the kitchen when someone else is using it (unless invited)

1916 Occupancy

  • Orange Bay: maximum of 10 people at a time and no closer than 6’ to another person

  • Laser Lab: maximum of 2 people at a time

  • Project Classroom: maximum of 7 people at a time

  • The Studio: maximum of 4 people at a time