If you have tested positive for COVID and have visited the Galano Club recently, please fill out our COVID Self-Report Questionnaire.
The Austin Galano Club Board made the difficult decision to close the club on March 18, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Groups started online meetings the next day. The board meet throughout the closure to work on re-opening the club in as safe a manner as possible. We ask all members and groups to respect the following guidelines in the spirit of having a safe environment for everyone who goes to the Galano Club.
Your cooperation is essential for our success!
Who decides what’s safe?
We are following the guidelines set by the City of Austin and Travis County health authorities as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Are masks required?
We invite people, who have been fully vaccinated, the option to remove their masks inside the Galano Club, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Austin Public Health Authority. Austin’s current public health orders are in place until June 15. AGC will continue to follow public health guidance and make changes at the club accordingly.
We ask everyone to continue to be respectful of one another and their choice of whether or not to wear a mask.
What areas are off limits?
For now, the desktop computers have been removed. The Small Meeting room is closed. The sponsorship corner and Lounge are closed for sponsor meetings and fellowship. The office, across from the coffee bar, can be used by one person at a time.
Where will groups meet?
Groups that met in the Small Room will meet in the Medium Room. Groups that met in the Medium Room will meet in the Lounge. Groups that met in the Large Room will remain in that room.
How many people can meet in-person in each meeting room?
According to the current public health orders, the club can be used at full capacity. It appears that 50 to 75 percent capacity has been the norm, as individuals feel comfortable meeting in groups. Everyone is encouraged to maintain as much distance as possible between chairs when seated.
Galano Club Meeting Room Capacity
| Full Capacity | 75 Percent Capacity | 50 Percent Capacity | |
| Small | 20 | Closed | Closed |
| Medium | 54 | 40 | 27 |
| Lounge | 54 | 40 | 27 |
| Large | 170 | 127 | 85 |
Is the coffee bar open?
The coffee bar is open at its full schedule. All food and beverage options are available and can be enjoyed inside the club.
Do groups have to meet in person?
Groups do not have to meet in person. However, groups are encouraged to offer hybrid meetings. Hybrid meetings are in-person meetings that include on-line participation. Video equipment and online service for hybrid meetings is available in the Galano Club’s three meeting spaces. Support your group by volunteering to lead in-person and online meetings.
What will happen to online meetings?
Groups can keep all of their meetings online. Or, they can decide to only meet in person. Or, a group can offer hybrid meetings as a way to unite participants meeting in person with those joining online. Participate in your group conscious meeting to decide what is best for your fellowship. Support your group’s decision by volunteering to chair online or in-person meetings.
Where can someone smoke or vape?
The majority of people who responded to our survey, voted to move smoking and vaping away from the front of the building. Nearly two-thirds of the people who responded expressed concern about COVID-19 spread due to smoking and vaping. A new covered smoking and vaping area is located in the main parking lot on the side of the building.
What happens if someone with COVID-19 was at the club?
The Galano Club will implement guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control. If you were at the Galano Club and may have exposed others to COVID-19, we strongly encourage you to inform us. You can do so confidentially at info@austingalano.org. The board will keep the person’s identity confidential. The board will tell the community and groups the date(s) someone who may have been infected was at the club. The club will be closed to everyone for 24 hours. After 24 hours have passed, the club will be cleaned and treated with a biostatic surface protectant, SurfaceGuard 90. The club will reopen and continue with COVID-19 Guidelines in place.
What’s the club’s cleaning schedule?
A janitorial service cleans the entire club after the last meeting on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Additionally, the club will be treated with the biostatic surface protectant, SurfaceGuard 90. This product is designed to last up to 90 days. We will treat the club as needed and possibly more frequently than every 90 days.
How can groups collect 7th Tradition donations?
Donations can be collected by placing the 7th Tradition basket at the front of the meeting room and asking people to individually walk up to donate cash. Groups can opt to continue accepting online donations through Venmo, etc. Another option would be to donate to a specific group through electronic donations at the coffee bar.
How can chips be handed out?
One option is to ask someone to announce the chip countdown from their seat. Anyone needing a chip can walk up to the front of the room and pick out their chip from the box.
What’s suggested for closing a meeting?
Members can remain seated during closing prayer or reading. If there is enough room, members can form a circle, standing 6-feet apart, during the closing.
What if I have more questions?
To learn more about the Austin Galano Club and its relationship to groups that meet here, please see the FAQ Page.
Updated: 5/23/2021
