Canberra Choral Society (CCS) COVID-19 Safety Plan
1. Introduction
The purpose of this plan is to provide guidelines on the management of rehearsals and performances during COVID-19 for CCS members and guests who participate in CCS rehearsals/performances. It covers:
- Measures which will be implemented at rehearsal/performance venues to mitigate COVID-19 risks, including the requirements of choristers
- Monitoring and reporting procedures
- A participant declaration, to be completed before attending rehearsals and performances.
The plan is based on current regulations, guidelines and directions from the ACT Government and health authorities, outlined at https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/home, last updated 23 September 2022. It is designed to complement any specific rehearsal venue or concert venue COVID-19 Safety Plan, which can be provided to participants where relevant (as some venues do not have these). The CCS Committee will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, update information and amend our procedures and practices as necessary, to reflect the most recent ACT Government health advice.
2. Measures designed to mitigate COVID-19 risks
2.1 General
Participants are required to:
- Comply with the latest health directions of the ACT Government and health authorities
- Understand and comply with this plan and all measures required by the venues in which we
rehearse or perform - Take personal responsibility for their own COVID safety
- Keep themselves updated from official sources
- Act cautiously and honestly regarding their state of personal health and any potential symptoms
- Note that although the CCS holds public liability insurance in accordance with normal practice,
our insurers will not cover any claim relating to COVID-19, and the CCS will not be liable for any such claim. Participants must assess their own personal risk before deciding whether to attend rehearsals and performances and be aware that they attend at their own risk.
2.2 Health
Participants must NOT attend a rehearsal or performance if:
- They have tested positive to COVID-19 and not officially recovered
- They are awaiting a COVID-19 test result
- They are feeling unwell with any of the symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, dry cough, sore
throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, and fatigue - They have been in close contact with someone who has had COVID-19 symptoms or tested
positive within the previous 14 days
2.3 Physical Distancing
- The motto is “Arrive, rehearse/perform and leave”
- Greetings like kisses, hugs and handshakes are not permitted
- Socialising is to be avoided
- Do not crowd in the foyer or around doorways
- Personal belongings should be kept to a minimum and placed by participants’ chairs.
- Participants must always act sensitively and adapt behaviour to prevent the spread of COVID-19
via droplets, aerosols and unnecessary contact. CO2 levels will be monitored, and windows and
doors will be opened where practicable to allow increased ventilation as necessary. - Participants must bring their own music (some music may be provided at the first few
rehearsals), pencils, erasers, and water bottles which do not need refilling. - Sharing/looking on scores is not permitted.
2.4 Hygiene
- Bringing a personal supply of sanitiser is encouraged.
- Coughs and sneezes must be directed into the elbow or a tissue. In the case of prolonged
coughing, participants will be asked to leave the room. - A member of the Committee will be nominated as the rehearsal/performance COVID Safe
Hygiene Marshall, and participants must comply with their directions regarding all CCS and hired venue COVID-19 safety measures.
3. Reporting and Contact Tracing
Participants are to submit the attached declaration before attending rehearsal/performance. The COVID-19 Marshall will check off participants upon arrival, so that attendance details are accurate and on hand should contact tracing again be required.
If a participant arrives unwell to a rehearsal or performance (i.e., showing symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory illness) they will be asked to leave immediately, and this will be noted in the attendance register.
If a participant becomes unwell at a rehearsal or performance, they will be asked to leave immediately. Assistance will be arranged if necessary.
If, after attending a rehearsal or performance, a participant is diagnosed with COVID-19 or becomes aware that they have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, they MUST immediately inform the Secretary (secretary.canberrachoralsociety@gmail.com) who will inform the other participants and the venue that a case has been detected.