New COVID protocols at Artis-Naples causing controversy

There are new COVID-19 policies in place at a Southwest Florida arts organization to keep people safe. But now, some people say they won’t be going back there.

Artis-Naples says for all events and to get into the museum, guests are required to have a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination.

Artis-Naples was one of the few places that David Ansari felt safe going during the pandemic. “It was also nice to know that you could go to space indoors, but also know that people there were taking protocols seriously,” Ansari said.

He is welcoming the new and tougher COVID-19 policies that Artis-Naples is proposing. The protocols include proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test and a mask requirement for children ages two to 11.

“If protocols like this aren’t really followed, then unfortunately we’re going to remain in the pandemic for longer,” said Ansari.

The Artis-Naples Facebook Page shared a post about the new protocols and many agreed with Ansari. Some people thanked Artis-Naples for “putting patrons first” and for keeping the audience, staff and performers safe.

However, there is quite a bit of disagreement about the protocols as well. Lisa Drumgoole just doesn’t see why it’s necessary. “I guess I just don’t understand it,” Drumgoole said.

Drumgoole commented on that Facebook post stating that she’d be demanding a refund. “I feel our liberties have been somewhat squashed in the last 18 months,” Drumgoole said.

In a statement obtained by WINK News, Artis-Naples Ceo and president Kathleen Van Bergen said, in part:

“The decision to update our protocols was not taken lightly. It is our sincere hope that the new protocols will encourage increased participation and safety in all of our activities.”

It remains to be seen whether or not the new COVID-19 protocols will help or hurt Artis-Naples. The COVID-19 protocols went into effect on Monday, November 1.

The full statement from Artis-Naples Ceo and president Kathleen Van Bergen can be found below:

“Our commitment to the collective health and safety of our patrons, visitors, musicians, guest artists, staff and volunteers is paramount. The decision to update our protocols was not taken lightly. It is our sincere hope that the new protocols will encourage increased participation and safety in all of our activities. We are pleased to join many of Florida’s largest arts organizations who have implemented these protocols over the last month. They include the Arsht Center, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Norton Museum of Art, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Straz Center for the Performing Arts.”