COVID-19 Safety Policy

Young New Yorkers’ Chorus, Inc. (“YNYC”), recognizes that health and safety in the midst of a global pandemic requires a high-level of communication and commitment. It also requires an acknowledgement that success in these efforts is a shared responsibility, where each individual (singers, artistic leadership, board members, volunteers, and audience members) feels a common sense of ownership and accountability to the YNYC community. To respond to the current environment, YNYC has developed the following guidelines and rules to keep us all singing and safe.

GENERAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES

  • YNYC leadership will perform a walkthrough on-site visit before the initial use of any   space(s) to address any unanticipated issues as well as to formulate specified safety guidelines as individual locations/situations may necessitate.

  • If you are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19 or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past ten (10) days, you must stay home and not participate in rehearsals, performances, and/or any in-person YNYC-sponsored event or activity. Upon conclusion of the ten (10) days, you may attend rehearsals, performances, and/or any in-person YNYC-sponsored event or activity by demonstrating a negative COVID-19 test result. The date of the test should be within one (1) day, but not more than three (3) days, of the YNYC activity.

  • Please wash or sanitize hands frequently, especially when in high-touch areas or interacting with multiple persons.

  • It is recommended that YNYC singers maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet apart from colleagues, and required that YNYC singers maintain a minimum distance of 3 feet apart from colleagues, including when entering/exiting the venue.

VACCINATION & TESTING

  • YNYC requires that all singers, artistic leadership, board members, volunteers, and audience members complete their full COVID-19 vaccination series, including booster shot(s), prior to participating in any in-person, YNYC-sponsored rehearsal, performance, activity, and/or event. For more information about vaccination and testing in the New York City area, visit https://www.nyc.gov/coronavirus.

  • For all YNYC-sponsored rehearsals/performances, events, and activities you acknowledge the following:

  • I currently or within the past ten (10) days have not experienced any symptoms associated with COVID-19, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath among others;

  • I have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 currently or within the past ten (10) days; if I have been diagnosed with COVID-19, I acknowledge that I am cleared as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities or the health care team responsible for my treatment. I also agree to demonstrate a negative COVID-19 test result upon return to YNYC activities; the date of the test should be within one (1) day, but not more than 3 days, of the YNYC activity.

  • YNYC reserves the right to take your temperature using a touchless thermometer. Individuals with a temperature of 100°F or higher will not be allowed entry. If your temperature reading is above 100°F you may be asked to wait in an isolated area and have your temperature re-checked a second time. If your temperature is above 100°F on the second check, you may be asked to proceed home, and follow CDC safety guidelines.

  • YNYC may record your name and arrival time.

REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES

  • Masks - ALL singers, artistic leadership, board members, and volunteers are required to wear a well-fitting N95, KN95, or KF94 face mask covering both nose and mouth while singing or attending rehearsals, performances, and/or any in-person YNYC-sponsored event or activity. Audience members are required to wear a well-fitting face mask covering both nose and mouth while attending any in-person YNYC-sponsored event or activity; it is recommended that audience members wear a well-fitting N95, KN95, or KF94 face mask during any in-person YNYC activity.

  • All singers, artistic leadership, board members, volunteers, and audience members should avoid sharing pens, pencils, music, paper, and accessories.

  • When possible, steps will be taken to increase air circulation in any rehearsal or performance space.

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Levels are a proxy indicator of good ventilation. When CO2 levels rise above 800 ppm, when possible, we will increase ventilation by exiting rehearsal/performance space or by opening windows/doors to increase fresh air in the indoor space.

    • Outdoor Air CO2 Levels: 400 ppm

    • Acceptable for indoor air: ≤ 600 ppm

  • Minimum spacing recommendations and requirements for indoor rehearsals/performances as follows:

    • Recommended:  Minimum of 6 feet of distance between singers (with masks worn while singing).

    • Recommended:  Minimum of 6 feet of distance in front of/behind singers, who will be staggered – possibly in rows – onstage.

    • Required:  Minimum of 3 feet of distance between singers (with masks worn while singing).

    • Required:  Minimum of 3 feet of distance in front of/behind singers, who will be staggered – possibly in rows – onstage.

HOSPITALITY

  • Bottled water ONLY is permitted during rehearsals (no coffee or food); no food or drink is permitted during performances.

  • YNYC recommends that restrooms be limited to one individual use at a time.

In conclusion, we understand that the global COVID-19 pandemic is a dynamic situation that requires smart, responsive action. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we navigate this situation together. If you have any questions about the above policies, please contact board@ynyc.org. 


YNYC’s COVID-19 Safety Policy was developed using information gathered from CDC Guidelines as well as from Covid FAQ: https://tinyurl.com/FAQ-aerosols, Version: 1.88, 13-Aug-2021