Last updated 3/2/2021.

Based on plans offered by the Governor’s Office of the State of Massachusetts, UMA is reopening in four phases. This strategy is being carefully considered in order to provide the best service for the City of Malden while protecting the health of its residents, UMA members and staff. As with so many other factors during this unprecedented time, the timeline may change as new information arises.

Phase 1 | March 13 – July 12

UMA is closed to the public.
Staff continues to work regular hours mostly remotely. Some staff work in the facility at certain hours during the week.
Mayor offers weekly in-studio updates about the latest COVID-19 issues.
We continue to record the regular zoom meetings of the City Council and School Committee.

Phase 2

Current members may book on-location video cameras and production accessories (microphones, stands, tripods, etc.) for pickup and return Mondays through Thursdays noon to 6pm. Refer to reservation and pickup/dropoff instructions before making a reservation.

Phase 3

Step 1, Phase 3 | Paused – February 22 – March 8

Current members may reserve the podcasting suite Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 7pm.
Current members may reserve the editing stations Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 7pm.

Step 2, Phase 3 | March 8, 2021

Current members may reserve Studio A Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 7pm. (if you require alternative hours for studio use, please email terlonzo@matv.org)
Current members may reserve Studio B Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 7pm. (if you require alternative hours for studio use, please email terlonzo@matv.org)

Phase 4 | TBD

UMA hopes to be fully operational and operating at its full capacity in September, though the exact date is uncertain. Even in the best case scenario, health protocols will be in place and required.

Important Notes

Anyone – staff, member or volunteer – making contact with any touch points while at UMA will be responsible for the proper disinfecting of those touch points. This includes any electronics, computer mouse, telephone or device. Members using edit bays or studio and control room will have to leave time for disinfecting as part of their reserved time. Members who do not cooperate with this practice will not be allowed to make future reservations.
UMA staff will immediately disinfect every touch point on every piece of returned field equipment as part of the check-in process. Heavily used equipment such as cameras and tripods will need to sit on a shelf for 48 hours minimum before being checked out to another member.
UMA will provide the proper cleaning equipment such as sprays and wipes. If for some reason these items are not available and plentiful on hand, UMA will close to the public until proper equipment can be procured.
All individuals entering the facility must wear a mask. Though UMA will make every effort to have safety equipment such as masks available for members or visitors who do not have them, plan to bring your own.
Anyone who refuses to wear a mask when circumstances require one will be asked to leave.
Any visitor who feels ill or displays any symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, sore throat) should stay home and should not visit UMA under any circumstances.
UMA staff will continue to work with city departments and local non-profits during all phases of reopening to facilitate communication. Staff will respect all social distancing and safety protocols during these activities and may opt not to participate if conditions are deemed unsafe.