COVID-19 Policies and Procedures

At Gateway Gallery Auction, Inc., we are taking measures to protect our employees and our customers from the COVID-19 virus. We are following the ongoing directives of the Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, as well as taking additional steps as follows:

 Protections for Employees:

• At least once a day, we clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched by multiple people, including door handles, desks, phones, light switches and faucets.
• Employees are encouraged to take regular handwashing breaks as needed. (Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.) If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitizer stations can be found at multiple locations throughout the workplace.
• We encourage staff to maintain social distance of at least 6 feet, however when that is not possible, we recommend masking. Masks are available in the main office to employees who need them.
• We realize in some situations (including auctioneers calling sale), masks are not feasible. Please see your manager to discuss any specific concerns.
• On auction day, we offer rotating breaks to allow cashiers, clerks and service employees to wash their hands and/or take a private mask break.

Protections for Customers:

• We respect state mandates on the number of customers permitted in the doors. We have placed the chairs with floors markings six feet apart. In addition, clients who choose to do so may further socially distance themselves around the perimeter of the facility.
• We offer multiple designated hand sanitizing stations around our facility.
• During live auctions, we clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched by multiple people, including door handles, desks, phones, light switches and faucets multiple times throughout the event.
• When possible, we keep outside doors open to allow for fresh air ventilation.
• Our staff have been educated on CDC guidelines and administrative policies to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
• We offer telephone and online bidding platforms for those who choose not to visit us in person.
• We offer contactless curbside pickup and shipping for those who purchase items remotely.
• Unless picking up merchandise, all visitors after day of sale should make an appointment.

Employee Recommendations:

• Please take your temperature prior to coming onsite and call your manger ASAP if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
• Do not attempt to enter the workplace if any of the following are present (Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus):
  • Fever 100.4 or higher
  • Chills/sweating
  • New cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle/body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
• Inform your supervisor if you develop symptoms at work.
• Practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet away from fellow co-employees, customers, and visitors when possible.
• Wear cloth face coverings, especially when social distancing is not possible.
• Please do NOT wear face coverings if their use interferes with driving or vision or contributes to heat-related illness.
• Cloth face coverings should be washed and dried after each use or disposed of, if paper.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing the “Happy Birthday song twice!), especially after blowing noses, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
• Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Where possible, avoid direct physical contact such as shaking hands with people.
• Cover a cough or sneeze with a disposable tissue or your elbow.

RESOURCES

Employees may visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date CDC recommendations or, for Pennsylvania-specific guidelines and data: www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx

UPDATE – 11-24-2020:

To date, here are Gov. Tom Wolf’s additional directives to date and how we will follow them:

• Telework is mandatory unless impossible. At Gateway Gallery, much of our work simply cannot be completed remotely, therefore, we will continue to use best practices (cleaning/sanitizing, masking, social distancing) to keep our employees and customers safe.
• Online sales and curbside pickup are available to our customers and will continue to be utilized.
• Employees and customers are to mask. Regarding those who do not mask, according to the DOH:

Customers: When a customer or visitor claims to be exempt due to a medical or mental health condition or disability, businesses may not require proof of the condition or disability or require customers or visitors to explain the nature of their condition.

Employees: “The administration does not dictate to employers how they should manage their workforce; however, employers should follow all applicable laws including the ADA and consult with their legal representatives for legal advice.”