WINDY HILL FARM'S COVID-19 RESPONSE
UPDATED 6/22/20
As we head into summer, we are paying close attention to COVID-19 and how it affects the farm, our visitors, and their guests. Our top priority is the safety of all those who visit or call Windy Hill Farm home. We are now open for appointments and reservations, with some restrictions and adjusted operations, per North Carolina state guidelines. This offers an incredible opportunity for visitors to get out of their homes and privately explore Windy Hill Farm's 40 acres.
During these uncertain times, we understand that many big plans – weddings, birthdays, reunions – have had to be changed and/or postponed. If you are looking for a venue for any special occasion, please let us know how we might be able to help you plan memories for the beautiful days ahead of us. We are now offering luxury elopement experiences for couples -- please visit our Elopements page to find more information. All groups will be responsible for monitoring and self-regulating in regards to current recommendations, guidelines, and restrictions, including using masks and gloves, hand washing, and safe physical distancing while visiting Windy Hill Farm.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVD-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the CDC, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. Guidance and restrictions are evolving daily, and we'll continue to closely monitor the situation and take precautions to minimize the spread of COVID-19. In the meantime, please know that we consider visits and private events at Windy Hill to be very low risk and are so looking forward to helping you plan your visit.
In order to make sure we're providing a safe space for our visitors, we'll be taking the following precautions:
Hotels are also taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus (***Please note that we cannot speak to whether AirBnBs, local inns, car rental agencies, or transport companies like taxis, Uber, and Lyft are taking additional precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, and we suggest you use these services with caution).
Some things you can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 at your celebration:
We know this is a stressful time with many unknowns, and we're here for you. If you wish to connect with us directly with any concerns, we can be reached quickly by email or text at 919-439-4638. If you call, please leave a message as we anticipate heavy call volume during the fall wedding season and may be unable to answer right away. We appreciate your patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness from our community during these challenging weeks, and we hope we can do the same for you and your family.
We encourage you all continue to support small and local businesses and follow the guidance of local, state and federal officials on best safety practices during this time. Stay healthy, and thank you all for your support and understanding as we navigate these ever-changing circumstances.
For more information about COVID-19 in North Carolina and the United States, you can visit https://www.orangecountync.gov/2332/coronavirus or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.
With care,
The Windy Hill Farm family
During these uncertain times, we understand that many big plans – weddings, birthdays, reunions – have had to be changed and/or postponed. If you are looking for a venue for any special occasion, please let us know how we might be able to help you plan memories for the beautiful days ahead of us. We are now offering luxury elopement experiences for couples -- please visit our Elopements page to find more information. All groups will be responsible for monitoring and self-regulating in regards to current recommendations, guidelines, and restrictions, including using masks and gloves, hand washing, and safe physical distancing while visiting Windy Hill Farm.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVD-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the CDC, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. Guidance and restrictions are evolving daily, and we'll continue to closely monitor the situation and take precautions to minimize the spread of COVID-19. In the meantime, please know that we consider visits and private events at Windy Hill to be very low risk and are so looking forward to helping you plan your visit.
In order to make sure we're providing a safe space for our visitors, we'll be taking the following precautions:
- Increasing the frequency and thoroughness of cleaning between and during all visits and events using cleaning agents known to be effective against COVID-19
- Increasing surface wipe-downs in common areas and high-touch areas such as chairs, benches, and handrails
- Posting signs in bathrooms encouraging proper hand-washing
- Opening windows in our dressing suites and opening farmhouse doors for additional airflow and minimized contact with doorknobs
- Requesting that anyone who utilizes our golf cart ride on the back two seats instead of next to the driver
- Switching to minimal-contact paper towel and toilet paper dispensers in guest restrooms
- Providing paid leave to any high-risk staff members who are unable to work scheduled events
- Encouraging more frequent hand washing by staff members and making gloves and masks available to all staff
- Asking any staff members who are sick for any reason to stay home
- Windy Hill Farm staff will not be shaking hands with or hugging you or your guests at this time (I so wish I could!). We appreciate your understanding.
Hotels are also taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus (***Please note that we cannot speak to whether AirBnBs, local inns, car rental agencies, or transport companies like taxis, Uber, and Lyft are taking additional precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, and we suggest you use these services with caution).
Some things you can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 at your celebration:
- Ask any family and friends who are sick or may have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 to stay home. Consider offering video streaming of your celebration so guests not in attendance are still able to participate.
- Check in with your vendor team to ensure that everyone has an emergency/disaster preparedness plan in place including staffing and coverage should any staff members become sick
- Consider placing hand sanitizer at your welcome table, bar, on tables, and at the entrance to the celebration
- Please do not visit without first scheduling an appointment. Consider limiting the number of visitors you bring to those who are truly essential, and of course, ask anyone who isn't feeling well to stay home. You may call us at 919-439-4638 or email us at hello@visitwindyhill.com. We anticipate heavy call volume and appreciate your patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries.
- Remember that hand-washing is your #1 defense against COVID-19. Hand sanitizer is an excellent backup but should be used in combination with, not instead of, hand-washing.
- Please do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by following all posted instructions while visiting Windy Hill Farm
- Orange County and North Carolina require wearing a mask while out in public. You are responsible for supplying your own mask while visiting the farm and for wearing one correctly while here. Windy Hill Farm staff will wear masks when in close contact with those here celebrating, and will otherwise keep a safe distance between ourselves and others. We will not be shaking hands at this time and appreciate your understanding.
- When using our golf cart, we ask that you please not sit next to the driver and instead use the rear two seats
- By visiting Windy Hill Farm, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19
We know this is a stressful time with many unknowns, and we're here for you. If you wish to connect with us directly with any concerns, we can be reached quickly by email or text at 919-439-4638. If you call, please leave a message as we anticipate heavy call volume during the fall wedding season and may be unable to answer right away. We appreciate your patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness from our community during these challenging weeks, and we hope we can do the same for you and your family.
We encourage you all continue to support small and local businesses and follow the guidance of local, state and federal officials on best safety practices during this time. Stay healthy, and thank you all for your support and understanding as we navigate these ever-changing circumstances.
For more information about COVID-19 in North Carolina and the United States, you can visit https://www.orangecountync.gov/2332/coronavirus or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.
With care,
The Windy Hill Farm family
