PPAC and The VETS Commit to Top Tier Level of Safety — GBAC STAR — for Reopening

PPAC and The VETS Commit to Top Tier Level of Safety — GBAC STAR — for Reopening

The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) and the Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS) have announced their commitment to achieve Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation — which is considered the gold standard for prepared facilities. 

The two facilities have been shuttered for months under orders of Governor Gina Raimondo. And, as Southern New Englanders yearn to return to the facilities, the announcement of the comprehensive safety program is welcomed news for many.

Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, PPAC and The VETS will implement the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention in each facility as they move towards reopening.

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As the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR helps organizations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led training, and assesses a facility’s readiness for biorisk situations. The program will verify that PPAC and The VETS implement best practices to prepare for, respond to, and recover from outbreaks and pandemics. 

"Biorisk reduction combines expertise and advice on high-consequence pathogens with guidance and training on safe handling and control of disease agents that pose significant health risks, with potential for adverse economic impact and public concern," according to the World Health Organization.

“The safety of our guests and our staff members is our top priority,” said PPAC President and CEO J.L. “Lynn” Singleton. “As we move through the process of accreditation, we will collaborate with GBAC to enhance our guidelines and procedures for cleaning, sanitation, and infectious disease prevention to ensure everyone’s health while they attend a future performance at our beautiful theatre.” 

For theatergoers, many look forward to a return to PPAC to see the return of Hamilton and other Broadway shows planned for 2021 and beyond.

“GBAC STAR accreditation empowers facility owners and managers to assure workers, customers and key stakeholders that they have proven systems in place to maintain clean and healthy environments,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “By taking this important step to pursue GBAC STAR, PPAC and The VETS will receive third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.” 

To achieve GBAC STAR accreditation, PPAC and The VETS will demonstrate compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures. 

“The GBAC Star accreditation is considered the gold standard of cleaning for the facilities industry,” said PPAC General Manager Alan Chille. “It is our hope that with this accreditation, our guests can feel assured that they will be experiencing and enjoying live entertainment in the safest way possible.”