Carroll County, Arkansas, is currently at a Low COVID-19 Community Level. Per CDC Guidelines, recommended actions based on the current level include, “Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others.”
The safety and comfort of our resident writers and staff remains our top priority. The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow (WCDH) does not require masks in common areas unless a writer is experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms or if specifically requested by a writer-in-residence. In that case, we will happily don a mask when other writers are present and communicate that request to other writers-in-residence. We ask that writers continue to be respectful and accommodating of each other, understanding that one writer’s comfort regarding COVID-19 may be drastically different from another’s.
Writers are asked not to travel to WCDH for a residency if they are aware that they have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus or are feeling sick. WCDH, does not charge change or cancellation fees for last-minute adjustments to residency reservations.
Social Distancing
Writers who begin to experience cold or flu-like symptoms during their residency are asked to wear a mask and social distance until they have tested negative for COVID-19. WCDH has a limited number of rapid tests in the office available upon request, and tests are available locally at the Eureka Springs Hospital, 479-253-7400.
In-person workshops held in the great room of the main building will be subject to the instructor’s COVID guidelines. Instructors may opt to require participants be fully vaccinated or wear masks during the event. COVID policies will be clearly outlined in the description of each event.
Suites
WCDH offers contactless check-in upon request. A welcome packet containing directions to your suite and suite keys will be put in a clearly marked envelope in the blue mailbox on the front door at 515 Spring Street.
WCDH can offer contactless check-out upon request. A copy of your invoice will be provided with the welcome packet. Barring any changes, we can email you a link to pay securely online with a credit card. After checking out, please leave your keys in the blue mailbox on the front door at 515 Spring Street.
After each guest stay, suites are cleaned and disinfected per CDC standards as follows: all frequently touched surfaces including suite keys, chair backs, tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, and sinks will be cleaned with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants appropriate for the surface, following label instructions. Bedding will be washed with detergent and disinfectant. Dishes will be washed in the dishwasher at the hottest setting, and cutlery pre-soaked in a bleach solution.
Meals
Dinner is prepared by Chef Jana at 6:00 on weeknights and served family-style, so writers may plate their own dinner. This allows writers to choose portions and limits food waste, helping us control costs and keep residency rates low. Leftovers will be available in the writers’ fridge for lunches or snacks. Please let staff know at least two hours before dinner if you prefer your dinner(s) plated. You may enjoy it in the dining room safely distanced from other writers or pick it up in the kitchen after 6:00 pm.
Staff
All WCDH staff are fully vaccinated and are committed to these health and safety guidelines. They have agreed to stay home until they have tested negative for COVID-19 if they feel sick or if they know they have been exposed .
Should you have questions or concerns regarding an upcoming or proposed residency, please contact Michelle Hannon, Executive Director, or Jeanne Glass, Assistant Director, at 479-253-7444 or director@writerscolony.org.