Here’s an update about our most recent policies related to COVID-19:

At 12:01 a.m. on March 25, the top health official for Sedgwick County, Dr. Garold Minns, announced a stay-at-home order to slow the spread of COVID-19 through increased social distancing. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has also issued an executive order asking Kansans to limit gatherings to 10 people or less. We have taken several precautionary measures to protect both our staff and members.

Groover Labs remains open to members. It has been a difficult decision whether to remain open or to close our doors entirely for 30 days. Dr. Minns’ stay-home order includes several exemptions, one of which calls for businesses that perform essential activities to remain open. Our members’ livelihoods depend on access to our facilities, so we want to provide them with a safe place to work.

If you are a member at Groover Labs:

  • Work from home if you can.

  • Do not come to Groover Labs if you feel sick.

  • Keep a safe distance of at least six feet from other people in the building.

  • Wash your hands regularly.

  • Do not shake hands, fist bump or do Maverick’s and Goose’s secret handshake from Top Gun.

  • Wipe down any public space before you use it.

Other important information:

  • We have canceled all events, activities and classes until the order expires.

  • Groover Labs is only open to members.

  • Members may not bring guests into the building.

Thank you for understanding our policies and working with us. Because events are moving so fast, we may need to update these policies. If we do, we’ll let you know.

We also want you to know how grateful we are for your support. We opened our doors to the public on Jan. 24. More than 150 members of Wichita’s business, government, academic and nonprofit communities joined us in our event venue.

We felt your love and overwhelming support then, and we feel it now.

We will get through this if we work together. Wichita’s maker community has been working tirelessly to make essential supplies for our health care workers on the front lines. It is this kind of collaboration within a community that, when the coronavirus threat subsides, we hope to foster in the startup and entrepreneurial community.

We’re taking notes so we can learn from today what we can use tomorrow.