COVID-19 Update: March 7, 2020 5:30AM

March 7, 2020 5:30AM

The Craft Chocolate Experience Team has made the decision to remain open from 11:00AM – 5:00PM today, March 7th, for Craft Chocolate Experience: San Francisco.

We are aware of the recommendations that came from Mayor London N. Breed, the San Francisco Department of Public Health and the Department of Emergency Management on Friday, March 6th.  (for the full statement, click here.) 

Per the statement provided by city officials, recommendations include the following:

• Limiting Outings for Vulnerable Populations (over age 60, persons with weakened immune systems)
• Having hand washing  capabilities, hand sanitizers and tissues available.
• Frequently cleaning high touch surface areas like counter tops and hand rails.
• Finding ways to create physical space to minimize close contact as much as possible.

Craft Chocolate Experience already had several of these measures in place.  Our staff and our exhibitors have always recognized the importance of food safety measures that come with this type of event.  Measures such as hand wash stations, sanitary sampling guidelines, and thorough and regular cleaning of the venue have been part of process from the beginning, and we have worked with the health department to ensure that our event is meeting the city’s guidelines for food safety and public health.

Additionally, we have instituted the following procedures at the venue:

• We have increased the number of hand wash station and sanitizing stations throughout the venue.
• We have increased the size of our janitorial staff to increase the frequency of surface cleanings including handrails and other high-touch surfaces.
• Proper hand washing reminders have been posted in all restrooms.
• We have modified traffic patterns for experience areas to ensure all visitors can sanitize before entering.
• We have reviewed with our exhibitors all safety protocols, including the RIGOROUS control of providing samples, sanitizing or replacing sampling equipment at regular intervals and keeping sample bowls behind the counter to limit contact from guests.

We also make the following recommendations to our guests:

• If you are a member of a vulnerable population, do not come.
• If you are not feeling well, or are concerned that you may not be well, do not come.
• If you would like a refund, you can seek one through the Eventbrite ticket purchase app, or by sending an email to chocolate@craftchocolateexperience.com.  Provide your name and order number if possible.
• If you see something that concerns public health while at the event, tell a staff member immediately so the situation can be addressed.

The decision to keep our doors open was made with the best intentions and much consideration. Many of our exhibitors are small businesses who have gone through great lengths and personal expense to be prepared for this event. They have come and are excited to share their passion with the San Francisco community. As  people who make food for a living, sanitation requirements are part of how we operate every day. It is an essential part of doing business and many of the recommendations are common sense strategies that the entire population should be doing every day. Standard health and safety requirements are in place to combat these very issues, and we know that our exhibitors have met those requirements.

We will continue to monitor the situation and to work in conjunction with government offices and recommendations, and will post updates here if things should change. In the meantime, wash your hands with soap, limit touching public surfaces, cover your coughs, stay home if you are sick or vulnerable.

 

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