COVID-19 Updates

​The Venue at Lenoir City follows The Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide for best practices and has installed ionopure's Purity Systems, which delivers steady mists of ionopure Air into every corner, cleaning both the air and surfaces. The ionopure Purity System has been tested by a third-party lab* which proved it kills 99.999% of a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate on surfaces and 95.7% in the air!

*Human Coronavirus (OC43) Reduction Efficacy in Enclosed Room by Vaporized Oxidant Agent, Conducted by BCS Laboratories, Inc., Gainesville, FL, George Lukasik, Ph.D., Laboratory Directory (June 2020)

As of June 7, 2021...

  1. Venue is open to 100% capacity, due to the installation of the air- and surface-cleaning Purity Systems and weekly treatments with a Victory Electrostatic Disinfecting System, (a chlorine-based disinfectant misting sprayer).
  2. Venue employees who are/believe they are ill or have been exposed to the Coronavirus will not be allowed to return to work until they are symptom free and/or have self-quarantined for the currently recommended period of time.
  3. Attendees and staff temperatures can be taken (with advance client request) via no-contact/infared scanners at entry. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher may be denied access.
  4. Attendees are encouraged to sanitize their hands upon entrance to the facility (hand sanitizer stations provided by Venue) and continue hand washing/sanitizing throughout the event.
  5. Venue staff will continue to follow strict hand-washing and other health-safety guidelines.
  6. Venue staff will wear masks, at request of the client.   
  7. Guests are not required to wear face masks, but are welcome to do so.
  8. Seating and/or tables may be physically distanced, if space allows, at the request of the client.
  9. Floor markings or other socially-distanced reminders are available, at the request of the client.
  10. There are currently no food service restrictions, but special accommodations can be made, at the request of the client.
As of April 26, 2021...
  1. Venue is open to 100% capacity, due to the installation of the air- and surface-cleaning Purity Systems and weekly treatments with a Victory Electrostatic Disinfecting System, (a chlorine-based disinfectant misting sprayer).
  2. Venue employees who are/believe they are ill or have been exposed to the Coronavirus will not be allowed to return to work until they are symptom free and/or have self-quarantined for the currently recommended period of time.
  3. Attendees and staff temperatures will be taken via no-contact/infared scanners at entry. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher may be denied access.
  4. Attendees are encouraged to sanitize their hands upon entrance to the facility (hand sanitizer stations provided by Venue) and continue hand washing/sanitizing throughout the event.
  5. Venue staff will continue to follow strict hand-washing and other health-safety guidelines, including the wearing of face masks and gloves when dealing with food and beverages.  
  6. Guests are not required to wear face masks, but are welcome to do so.
  7. Seating and/or tables may be physically distanced, if space allows, at the request of the client.
  8. Floor markings or other socially-distanced reminders are available, at the request of the client.
PHASED RE-OPENING PLAN
 
PLAN IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE, BASED UPON CDC AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS. PHASES MAY ADJUST AS NECESSARY AND/OR MANDATED.
 
While The Venue at Lenoir City will undertake procedures within its capability to ensure a clean and safe environment, the decision as to whether or not to proceed with an event is the Client’s to make. Likewise, the choice to attend an event belongs to each guest. The Venue at Lenoir City assumes no liability for any attendees being exposed to – or falling ill from – the Coronavirus or other viruses/disease.
 
 Phase I:
  1. Venue will open to 50% capacity. If additional space is needed to ensure proper social distancing for a previously booked event, space will be granted at no additional charge.
  2. Venue employees who are/believe they are ill or have been exposed to the Coronavirus will not be allowed to return to work until they are symptom free and/or have self-quarantined for at least 14 additional days.
  3. Attendees and staff temperatures will be taken via no-contact/infared scanners at entry. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be denied access. 
  4. The recommended COVID-19 screening questions will be asked during the temperature check. Guest access to the building will be determined accordingly.
  5. Attendees must sanitize their hands upon entrance to the facility (hand sanitizer stations provided by Venue) and continue hand washing/sanitizing throughout the event.
  6. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks (exceptions made for speaker(s) while they are presenting).
  7. Client must handle loading-in and loading-out their own materials.
  8. Seating and/or tables will be spaced for “strict social distancing,” per guidelines.
  9. Attendees must follow strict social distancing guidelines (signage defining guidelines will be posted).
  10. Attendees may not congregate in spaces other than the specific space in which their event is taking place (some sections of facilities may be roped off).
  11. Attendees will be asked to dispose of their own trash.
  12. Venue will conduct regular and thorough cleaning of surfaces and areas throughout the facility, using disinfecting cleaners.
  13. Venue staff will continue to follow strict hand-washing, masking, and other health-safety guidelines.
  14. Food and beverage will be served by staff (including buffets, but boxed meals are highly recommended) to avoid the passing of serving utensils between individuals. Additional charges may apply.
 
Phase II:
  1. Venue will open to 75% capacity. If additional space is needed to ensure proper social distancing for a previously booked event, space will be granted at no additional charge.
  2. Venue employees who are/believe they are ill or have been exposed to the Coronavirus will not be allowed to return to work until they are symptom free and/or have self-quarantined for at least 14 days.
  3. Attendees and staff temperatures will be taken via no-contact/infared scanners at entry. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be denied access.
  4. The recommended COVID-19 screening questions will be asked during the temperature check. Guest access to the building will be determined accordingly.
  5. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks.
  6. Attendees must sanitize their hands upon entrance to the facility (hand sanitizer stations provided by Venue) and continue hand washing/sanitizing throughout the event.
  7. Seating and/or tables will be spaced according to guidelines for “moderate physical distancing,” per guidelines.
  8. Attendees must follow moderate social distancing guidelines (signage defining guidelines will be posted).
  9. Attendees will be asked to dispose of their own trash.
  10. Venue will conduct regular and thorough cleaning of surfaces and areas throughout the facility, using disinfecting cleaners.
  11. Venue staff will continue to follow strict hand-washing, masking, and other health-safety guidelines.
  12. Food and beverage will be served by staff (including buffets, but boxed meals are highly recommended) to avoid the passing of serving utensils between individuals. Additional charges may apply.
 
Phase III:
  1. Venue will open to 100% capacity.
  2. Venue employees who are/believe they are ill or have been exposed to the Coronavirus will not be allowed to return to work until they are symptom free and/or have self-quarantined for at least 14 days.
  3. Attendees and staff temperatures will be taken via no-contact/infared scanners at entry and asked the standard COVID screening questions. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be denied access, as will anyone who answers "yes" to any of the screening questions.
  4. Attendees must sanitize their hands upon entrance to the facility (hand sanitizer stations provided by Venue) and continue hand washing/sanitizing throughout the event.
  5. Seating and/or tables will be spaced according to current guidelines for physical distancing.
  6. Attendees are encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines (signage and markings defining guidelines will be posted).
  7. Venue will conduct regular and thorough cleaning of surfaces and areas throughout the facility, using disinfecting cleaners.
  8. Venue staff will continue to follow strict hand-washing and other health-safety guidelines, including the wearing of face masks.  
  9. Facemasks are recommended for guests, but are not required.

SANITIZATION CHECKLIST

Public Areas
  • Door handles & bars (inside and outside)
  • Tables and chairs (including highchairs, if used)
  • Water fountains
  • Light, AV, and other control panels
  • Countertop & AC remote (Bridal Suite)
  • Cabinet knobs/handles (service hallway)
  • Chair and table cart handles
  • Trash receptacles touch points
Restrooms
  • Stall door handles & locks
  • Sink faucets and toilet handles
  • Toilet paper holders
  • Towel dispensers
  • Containers for sanitary products disposal
  • Baby changing stations
  • Trash receptables touch points
 Kitchen
  • Handles of all kitchen equipment doors, handles, etc.
  • Counter surfaces
  • Light switches & equipment power switches
  • Towel dispenser
  • Phone
  • Handles of beverage urns
  • Handles of sinks (including mob sink)
  • Cleaning tools & buckets used
  • Trash receptacles touch points (including trash cart on patio)
 Offices
  • Door handles
  • Light switches & control panels
  • Telephones, computers, keypads & mice
  • Microphones & other AV accessories
  • Cabinet & bin handles
  • Chair arms
  • Desks/tabletops

SPECIAL PROM GUIDELINES

It is Client's responsibility to communicate The Venue's COVID-19 recommendations to guests, although signage will be placed throughout the facility as constant reminders. THE VENUE WILL ENFORCE COVID GUIDELINES AMONG ITS STAFF BUT CAN ONLY STRONGLY RECOMMEND - NOT ENFORCE - GUEST BEHAVIOR. In addition to the recommendations at https://www.venuelc.com/covid-19, The Venue STRONGLY recommends that face masks are worn by guests, ESPECIALLY when they are dancing or near areas with food/beverages.
 
Other information of which to be aware:
  1. We are STRONGLY encouraging volunteers to set the example for students by wearing facemasks when unable to maintain social distancing.
  2. Venue staff will handle screening questions and temperature checks at the entrance (prior to guests, volunteers, vendors, etc. entering the event area).
  3. Registration table must be manned by volunteers. If writing instruments are used by guests, they must be cleaned with antibacterial wipes between uses.
  4. Venue encourages prom coordinators to have an ample supply of disposable masks on hand to meet the above recommendations, with at least one volunteer distributing them near food & beverage area, and another volunteer doing so near the dance floor.
  5. Venue staff must serve food from dessert/appetizer tables to negate the need to pass serving utensils among guests. 
  6. Room will be set to leave maximum space in the center of the floor for those who wish to dance.
  7. Where lines tend to form (photos, food, etc.), floor indicators will be placed at 6’ intervals to indicate appropriate distancing.
  8. Regarding dancing, we understand that people comprising couples have already been in contact; therefore, we ask that couples try to socially distance (6’ recommended) from other couples in the dance area.
  9. HAND-WASHING AND/OR SANITIZING BY ALL THROUGHOUT THE EVENING IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED! Venue has 4 permanent sanitizing stations throughout the facility and will place bottles of hand sanitizer throughout the event spaces.
  10. Soap dispensers in restrooms are touchless.
 
While The Venue will follow its employee, entry and sanitizing protocols, BY MAKING THE CHOICE TO ATTEND THE EVENT, GUESTS ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.
​NOTICE
EFFECTIVE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 THRU THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020
 
Per the Mayor’s office and for the safety and health of our employees and citizens, The Venue at Lenoir City will be locked. Staff will still be working in the building to meet your needs to the best of their abilities, but we are currently precluded from hosting public gatherings of 10 people or more.
​
As The Venue is a department of the City of Lenoir City, if you need assistance, please call as follows:
  • The Venue: 865-986-8340
  • Mayor’s Office/General Information: 865-986-2715
  • City Court: 865-635-0006
  • City Recorder/Finance Office: 865-986-2227
  • Building Official /Codes Enforcement /Planning/Stormwater: 865-986-9876
  • Police Department: 865-986-2005
  • Fire Chief: 865-986-8870
  • Parks & Recreation: 865-986-1223
Thank you for your continued understanding and support. 
March 12, 2020

The Venue at Lenoir City would like to offer you a COVID-19 update and reassure you all that we will take into consideration all recommended guidance from state/local health officials before making any decisions regarding large gatherings.
As you may have heard, the World Health Organization has declared a pandemic. Also, last night, President Trump suspended travel from Europe to the US (except for the UK). His announcement does NOT restrict travel within US or mandate the cancellation of large gatherings.

At present and based on our extensive research with governmental entities and the various professional venue forums and associations, we still believe the risk of continuing with events in our area is low. At the end of the day, the best advice we can offer is for each client and guest to assess:
1.     What are the risks of having/attending the event?
2.     What are the risks of not having/attending the event?
3.     What are the benefits of having/attending the event?
4.     What are the benefits of not having/attending the event?
In the meantime, The Venue is taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of sickness, whether it be the flu, common colds, or the Covid-19 virus. We are:
·       Having the facility treated professionally on a weekly basis or more by a Victory Electrostatic Disinfecting System, which is a chlorine-based disinfectant misting sprayer (and is more effective than alcohol-based systems).
·       Increasing the number of hand sanitizers throughout the facility;
·       Increasing disinfecting surface wipe-downs in common areas, restrooms and kitchen;
·       Increasing fresh air (as weather allows) into the facility;
·       Requiring staff follow CDC guidelines for hand washing, coughing/sneezing, tissue disposal, and social distancing (when possible);
·       Requiring staff to avoid close contact with people who are sick and if they become sick themselves, to stay home until free of fever (100.4 degrees or greater) for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines; and
·       Requiring additional use of gloves by staff for tasks above and beyond those involving food.
We will continue to add to these steps as protocols warrant to do everything possible to protect our staff, clients and guests. However, if you have an event scheduled and decide it is best to cancel, The Venue at Lenoir City will allow you to reschedule your event to a new date(s) within the 2020 calendar year. Rescheduling will be based on availability on a first-come, first-served basis. We will apply any downpayments/deposits towards your new 2020 date but will not be issuing refunds. Pricing will remain as reflected on your signed agreement. If your agreement has not yet been signed, additional fees might apply for a date change (depending on whether your new date falls in one of our “high demand” months as outlined in your information packet).
Please feel free to reach out to us at 865-986-8340 with any additional questions and we will do our best to assist you. In the meantime, please visit the CDC website to learn what you can do to keep yourself, your family, your business, and/or your community safe: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html.
Copyright 2016-2023, The Venue at Lenoir City/Lenoir City Event Center, a department of the City of Lenoir City, Tennessee. All rights reserved.