Over the last 24 hours, the pace of information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on our community has escalated rapidly. The Strand has been in regular contact with the public health department of Cobb County to determine how best to protect the health and safety of our community. 

Based on the most recent recommendations from the county and the statement from Governor Kemp this morning, we have decided to cancel this evening’s screening of Metropolis as well as Lumiere Lounge and Brew With A View through the rest of the weekend.

Since COVID-19 became a concern, The Strand has followed or exceeded all guidelines from health officials and the CDC. We have taken steps to protect our patrons by ensuring the cleanliness of our space and, as the situation progressed, encouraging our older and high risk patrons to stay safe at home. At this point, we don’t feel these measures will be enough going forward. We have a responsibility to do everything in our power to slow the virus by minimizing exposure to all patrons, not only those at increased risk, and will be doing so through these social distancing measures. 

We appreciate your understanding as we do everything possible to keep our community safe and healthy. We know this is an uncertain and stressful time, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have patrons like you. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep the lines of communication open with you. 

Stay safe and look out for each other. As always, thank you for your patronage. 

How long will you be closed?
Right now, The Strand will be closed to the public through the weekend. We’ll be continuing to monitor the situation and communicate with health officials. We appreciate your patience in this fluid situation, and we’ll continue to communicate with you as things progress.

Why are you canceling now?
Our main priority is protecting the vulnerable members of our community by doing all we can to help slow the growing spread (“flatten the curve”) of COVID-19. While we hate to see the theatre dark, our mission is to serve the community. Right now, protecting the health of our patrons is the best way we can do that.

I keep hearing “flattening the curve.” What does it mean?
The more we can all do to slow the spread of the virus, the better our hospitals and infrastructure will be able to handle anyone who does get sick. The danger of spiking the curve is when protective measures aren’t taken and those resources get overwhelmed by an entire community sick at once. Read more on how you can help “flatten the curve” here.

What can I do to help?
First and foremost, stay safe. Continue to listen to the CDC and public health department and follow their recommendations. 

If you’d like to help support The Strand, we would greatly appreciate your financial support. Nationally, arts organizations rely on donations for over 50% of their budget. At The Strand, that number is only 28%. 72% of our budget comes through ticket sales and events, so while the safety of this community is our top priority the loss of revenue from going dark will be a financial hardship. If you’re in a position to give support, you can make a tax-deductible contribution here.

In addition to the cancelation of Metropolis tonight, we’re also closing the Lumiere Lounge and Brew With A View for the weekend. Many of the musicians who perform at Lumiere and Brew are full time musicians who are facing financial uncertainty right now. If you’d like to show them some extra love, we’ve included a “virtual tip jar” to give them some extra support here.