COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
-Updated August 10, 2023
The following Covid precaution procedures apply as of the above date. These procedures are subject to change at any time.
Applicability
These procedures apply to all persons participating in rehearsals and performance, including the chorus, conductor, soloists, and instrumentalists.
Vaccination Advisory
You are strongly advised to be up to date on Covid-19 vaccinations. This is a link to CDC guidance on being up to date:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/COVID-19-immunization-schedule-ages-6months-older.pdf.
Masking
Masking at rehearsals and performances is optional. Those who wish to mask are strongly encouraged to use an N95 or KN95 mask as these are reputed to be the most effective. If you do not usually wear a mask, consider doing so after you have been with a large group of people such as at a wedding or holiday gathering, or if a Covid exposure is noticed to the members.
Self-Assessment
Prior to rehearsal, be aware of how you are feeling and do not participate if you experience any of the symptoms below. Don’t immediately put symptoms down to allergies or “just a cold.” Symptoms include:
New loss of taste or smell, sore throat, cough, shortness/difficulty breathing, nasal/sinus discharge, body aches, digestive upset, conjunctivitis, fever, fatigue.
Symptoms
If you have symptoms, do not attend Octavos until:
you have had a negative PCR test 5 to 7 days after the onset of symptoms, or
you have had a negative rapid antigen test (home test) on both the 5th and the 7th day after the onset of symptoms.
Exposure
If you had a known unmasked exposure within 7 days of the next rehearsal or performance, test before the next rehearsal/performance. It is recommended that you test twice before rehearsal with the last test on the day of rehearsal. If you test once, test on the day of rehearsal/performance. If the exposure was very close and within 2 to 3 days of rehearsal, review your symptoms and consider masking at the next rehearsal.
If You Test Positive for Covid
If you test positive for COVID-19 you must notify the Board of the positive test. You can do so by leaving a message at 518-380-6938. If you do not want to identify yourself and/or the situation on voicemail, say “I need a call back as soon as possible.” A Board member will contact you with instructions. To return, follow the procedure below.
Participating After Having Covid
If you have recovered from Covid in the past 30 days, you can attend Octavos if:
At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without fever reducing medications, and other symptoms of Covid, such as loss of smell or taste, are improving.
AND
It has been 10 days since symptoms first appeared,
OR
sooner than 10 days if you have had two sequential negative tests done 48 hours apart prior to the rehearsal.
Required Pre-Concert Covid Testing and Reporting
You will be required to test (can be an at home test) likely at two points in time during the dress rehearsal-concert period. Dates of tests will be specific to the concerts.
Reporting of Required Test Results
Email a photo of a negative result or medical documentation of the same according to the directions you will be given. If email is not available, bring a photo of a negative result or the test result card to rehearsal/performance and follow directions which will be provided nearer to the dress rehearsal date. You will also receive instructions in the event of a positive test.
No Sharing
Do not share music. We should have copies to borrow or get what you can from listening.
Test Availability
Covid Tests are available at pharmacies, box stores with pharmacies, and some supermarkets. Some insurers may cover the cost of home tests. Check with your provider.
Updated Covid Test Expiration Dates
If you have tests, it is very possible that the expiration dates have been extended. Check your tests at:
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list
If you need assistance determining the expiration date of your test, please contact us at the phone number above or at info@octavosingers.org.
Applicability
These procedures apply to all persons participating in rehearsals and performance, including the chorus, conductor, soloists, and instrumentalists.
Vaccination Advisory
You are strongly advised to be up to date on Covid-19 vaccinations. This is a link to CDC guidance on being up to date:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/COVID-19-immunization-schedule-ages-6months-older.pdf.
Masking
Masking at rehearsals and performances is optional. Those who wish to mask are strongly encouraged to use an N95 or KN95 mask as these are reputed to be the most effective. If you do not usually wear a mask, consider doing so after you have been with a large group of people such as at a wedding or holiday gathering, or if a Covid exposure is noticed to the members.
Self-Assessment
Prior to rehearsal, be aware of how you are feeling and do not participate if you experience any of the symptoms below. Don’t immediately put symptoms down to allergies or “just a cold.” Symptoms include:
New loss of taste or smell, sore throat, cough, shortness/difficulty breathing, nasal/sinus discharge, body aches, digestive upset, conjunctivitis, fever, fatigue.
Symptoms
If you have symptoms, do not attend Octavos until:
you have had a negative PCR test 5 to 7 days after the onset of symptoms, or
you have had a negative rapid antigen test (home test) on both the 5th and the 7th day after the onset of symptoms.
Exposure
If you had a known unmasked exposure within 7 days of the next rehearsal or performance, test before the next rehearsal/performance. It is recommended that you test twice before rehearsal with the last test on the day of rehearsal. If you test once, test on the day of rehearsal/performance. If the exposure was very close and within 2 to 3 days of rehearsal, review your symptoms and consider masking at the next rehearsal.
If You Test Positive for Covid
If you test positive for COVID-19 you must notify the Board of the positive test. You can do so by leaving a message at 518-380-6938. If you do not want to identify yourself and/or the situation on voicemail, say “I need a call back as soon as possible.” A Board member will contact you with instructions. To return, follow the procedure below.
Participating After Having Covid
If you have recovered from Covid in the past 30 days, you can attend Octavos if:
At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without fever reducing medications, and other symptoms of Covid, such as loss of smell or taste, are improving.
AND
It has been 10 days since symptoms first appeared,
OR
sooner than 10 days if you have had two sequential negative tests done 48 hours apart prior to the rehearsal.
Required Pre-Concert Covid Testing and Reporting
You will be required to test (can be an at home test) likely at two points in time during the dress rehearsal-concert period. Dates of tests will be specific to the concerts.
Reporting of Required Test Results
Email a photo of a negative result or medical documentation of the same according to the directions you will be given. If email is not available, bring a photo of a negative result or the test result card to rehearsal/performance and follow directions which will be provided nearer to the dress rehearsal date. You will also receive instructions in the event of a positive test.
No Sharing
Do not share music. We should have copies to borrow or get what you can from listening.
Test Availability
Covid Tests are available at pharmacies, box stores with pharmacies, and some supermarkets. Some insurers may cover the cost of home tests. Check with your provider.
Updated Covid Test Expiration Dates
If you have tests, it is very possible that the expiration dates have been extended. Check your tests at:
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list
If you need assistance determining the expiration date of your test, please contact us at the phone number above or at info@octavosingers.org.