COVID 19 Statement
KEEPING YOU SAFE
The People’s Orchestra are incredibly excited to have returned to in-person rehearsals and to be making music together again. Our top priority, as always, is doing this in a way that helps keep everyone involved as safe as possible, ensuring that the risk of coronavirus transmission is minimal.
In light of changes to government guidance regarding restrictions, and the provision of free lateral flow tests being ended, we have adjusted our safety measures accordingly.
For further details on how to recognise symptoms, and advice if you are ill, please visit the NHS website – click here.
If you have any questions about our Covid guidance, please get in touch with us at [email protected]
OUR MISSION
How We Are Minimising Risk
For Rehearsals
If members are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms in advance of a rehearsal, they are strongly advised to take a Lateral Flow Test (LFT) if possible. If they test positive for Covid, they should not attend rehearsals. We have the following measures in place in order to protect our musicians:
- Registers are taken at each rehearsal for test-and-trace purposes. If a member receives a positive result after a rehearsal, they should let us know as soon as possible.
- To reduce the need for shared equipment, all members must bring their own music stand (if in an orchestra or big band) and pencil.
- Music will be issued upon arrival at the first rehearsal. Members must only use their own music and ensure that they bring it with them on each occasion.
- We have an online option for choir members who are unable to take part in person in the form of Monday Zoom sessions with Halesowen Show Choir – these are accessible on the choir resources page for members. Please contact [email protected] if you do not have access to this.
- If positive LFTs become an issue for attendance in our orchestras as well, we will look providing online alternatives for those who are unable to make it.
For Concerts and Events
- Upon entry to the event venue, TPO staff members will take registers for test-and-trace purposes, as in rehearsals.
- During registration for musicians, hand sanitizer and spare face coverings will be made available, and these are accessible throughout the day.
- Musicians and audience members are encouraged to take a lateral flow test within 24-hours of arriving at the venue where possible, especially if they are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms.
- We offer full refunds for audience members who have bought tickets and can no longer attend as a result of testing positive for, or being a close contact of someone with, Covid-19.
- We strongly encourage audience members to wear a mask whenever possible.
