Last Updated: 8.25.2022 at 11:00 a.m.
A Note on Equity
As you think through safety for you, your space, co-workers, and audiences while you practice, teach, manage spaces and even perform again, consider that these practices and regulations do not affect everyone equally, and that efforts should also be made to create equity among peers as well as the people attending events and lessons. Building regulatory measures for safety from the spread of COVID-19 has required the implementation of tracing protocols, data gathering, health screenings and behavioral guidelines, and these measures are being deployed in contexts where there already exist other systems of surveillance and security that disproportionately affect people along lines of disability, race, immigration status, and gender. Furthermore, during a health care crisis just as the one we are living through, access to vaccination, stable housing, testing, employment, reliable information, and even personal protective equipment has been more challenging in working class communities of color. What this could mean to your organization is that while COVID-19 safety is a priority, you and your coworkers should manage to navigate how each regulation affects people from various social backgrounds differently.
Protocols around whether a person is vaccinated, on what type of documentation they carry, or how their employment networks are informed during tracing processes, while addressing efforts to control the spread of a virus, carry a variety of biases that fall on racial and class lines, potentially making your spaces more difficult and indeed less safe for disabled people, working class folk, people of color, and non-citizens. Sharing disability status, or it becoming known due to surveillance, can be quite punitive. For this reason, providing accessibility accommodations, even if not requested, supports disabled folks who do not feel safe openly identifying. What you can do to address this systemic bias is to adapt regulations to make space for the needs and requests of the people you work with and your audiences. For example, valid and important concerns about data gathering might arise from immigrant folk in your working community, and you’ll need to adapt those regulations in ways that honor those concerns. You might need to speak with directly affected folk about what other systems of care, tracing and travel safety you can set up that are informed by their needs and concerns. Before thinking about security or law enforcement support for de-escalation needs that might arise, you should look into other alternative ways of upholding your space regulations and meeting de-escalation needs. Directly affected communities can perhaps point to wants that you should consider when training staff and co-workers.
A safer space is not made through a proclamation of safety or welcoming, but through listening and adaptation processes that involve the wellbeing of people that are affected by an issue. As you review these guidelines and different scenarios, consider their implementation as opportunities to create listening space for directly affected communities and to adapt to their needs and concerns. You’ll have a stronger sense of unity, and ultimately, safety, this way.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
For a condensed version of these Standard Recommendations, including all Mandates and a consolidated list of Best Practices, please visit our General Summary page.
- Cultural Sector Response to lifting of Vaccine and Mask Mandates
- Previous Government Mandates
- Classifications
- Masking
- Vaccines
- Testing, Screening, Tracking
- Physical Distancing
- Visitor Management
- Communication
- Hygiene, Cleaning & Disinfection
- Return-to-Work Guidance
- Commerce
- Notes on Travel
1. Cultural Sector Response to Lifting of Vaccine and Mask Mandates (March 2022)
NYC continues to navigate the ongoing pandemic with its variants, surges, and over time, its receding levels. The cultural economy, and in particular the live performing arts, are at the front lines of this struggle. Just as Key to NYC required an implementation period, moving away from Key to NYC is a process as well. This document is an attempt to provide guidance and additional references for various parts of the cultural sector.
GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS ACROSS GENRES
Government recommendations
With Governor Hochul’s lifting of mask mandates, and Mayor Adams’ suspension of the Key to NYC vaccine rules, the sector is moving forward with safe and considered protocols scaffolded as appropriate to the activity in each part of the sector. It should be noted that “New York State’s Department of Health continues to strongly recommend mask-wearing in all public indoor settings as an added layer of protection, even when not required. And children 2 – 5 years old who remain ineligible for vaccination must wear a proper-fitting mask.” The cultural community considers itself a partner to the city’s efforts to steer the city toward a safe, healthy and vibrant future.
Unions
Much of the sector employs union workers, and those unions safety requirements will continue to take precedence. In the absence of union protections, arts and culture workers need crucial baseline safety protocols–particularly if their work involves close and sustained physical proximity, as in dance and many performing arts. The safety of public-facing staff, many of whom returned to work with the assurance of safety measures, must also be considered.
Equity Concerns
COVID safety is also an equity issue as it has had a disproportionate impact on communities of color, disabled people, immigrants, and other historically under-resourced communities, and the cultural sector’s response to continuing safety protocols must reflect the needs and interests of these key members of the sector. For more on equity and mandates, review equity guidance from Dance/NYC and Gibney’s Reopening Dance in NYC Digital Toolkit below.
Flexibility
We will continue to communicate with our partners in government and ask both the administration and the cultural sector to remember the need for flexibility. The public health crisis continues to morph, and both the virus and our tools to combat it are continually shifting. Safety measures cannot be turned on and off overnight. Plans for safe reopening must be continually updated. So we ask that all parties stay in communication and work together to keep everyone safe so we can all enjoy culture together!
GENRE SPECIFIC GUIDANCE
Theater
For theater, the Broadway League announced that it would adopt a “mask optional” policy for the month of July. Audience members are still encouraged to wear masks in theaters. Audience masking protocols for August and beyond will be evaluated on a monthly basis and will be announced in mid-July. Most theaters are no longer checking vaccination status.
In the off and off off Broadway world, the Alliance of Resident Theaters of NY (A.R.T./NY) has released a statement providing the guidance that all shows currently in production and rehearsal will maintain mask and vaccine requirements. Dance/NYC and Gibney offer their continually updated guidance in its toolkit for Reopening Dance in NYC. Performing arts unions are continuing with their current protocols, requiring these safety measures be provided to their working members.
Dance
Dance/NYC and Gibney have collaborated on a Reopening Toolkit for the dance sector which continues to be updated as conditions change.
ACCESSIBILITY: For a comprehensive guide to making events more accessible for those who are able to attend in-person, check out “Access Suggestions for Public Events,” created by disability justice based performance project Sins Invalid.
2. Previous Government Mandates
KEY TO NYC:
Businesses including indoor dining, indoor fitness (includes dance and other fitness studios), and indoor entertainment (includes theaters and performance venues) are no longer required by the City to check for proof of vaccination for entry. The city has designated that cultural institutions can determine their own policies regarding masking and vaccination.
Key to NYC Workplace Vaccination Requirement: All private-sector employers in NYC must see proof of vaccination from their employees. . Those employers are required to sign and publicly post an affirmation that they’re complying with the mandate. Also included are rideshare drivers, people who rent space in a coworking office, and therapists who visit clients in their home. The City may fine employers $1,000+ for violations. Visit this City Vaccine Workplace Requirement webpage to learn more about complying with the mandate. Learn more about what employers need to know about the NYC Vaccine Mandate.
For reference – Key to NYC requirements that were in effect August 2021 through March 2022:
ll people over the age of 5 are required to show proof of two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by or authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO (except for those 18 years and older who received the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine) for indoor dining, indoor fitness (includes dance and other fitness studios), and indoor entertainment (includes theaters and performance venues). The mayor also announced 5-11-year-old children are required to get vaccinated to participate in high-risk extracurricular activities. These activities include sports, band, orchestra, and dance. These requirements also mean that employees working at these locations must be fully vaccinated. People 18 and older are also required to show identification along with their proof of vaccination.
Resources on vaccines and the Key to NYC program can be found on the Vaccines page of this website. Responsible Parties should be prepared to, at any time, adjust and adapt between various levels of danger zones in the event of positive cases within the organization, an increase in COVID cases in the area, and/or the emergence of new COVID variants of concern.
NY HERO Act:
The New York HERO Act, which designated COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease that presents a serious risk of harm to public health, is no longer in effect. Private sector employers are still required to have an Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan (the “Plan”), but are no longer required to implement the Plan at this time. Employers can adopt a model safety plan as crafted by the New York State Department of Labor, or develop their own safety plan in compliance with the previous HERO Act standards.
MASK REQUIREMENTS AND UPDATES
CDC:
Check your COVID-19 Community Level on the CDC website to find whether your area is considered low-, medium-, or high-risk for COVID-19, and recommendations for masking. Health officials emphasized that people should still wear face coverings if they wish or if they are personally at high risk, and spaces/venues/organizations may choose to require masks at their own discretion.
NEW YORK STATE AND CITY:
While state- and city-wide masking mandates have largely been lifted, businesses, local governments, and counties can choose to implement mask mandates. Mandates or recommendations on the local level supersede state mandates.
Masks are still required in hospitals, nursing homes, shelters, public transportation, and related entities.
New York State and the State’s Department of Health continue to strongly recommend mask-wearing in all public indoor settings as an added layer of protection, even when not required. Unvaccinated individuals continue to be responsible for wearing masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidance. Learn about the best KN95 masks for COVID protection.
INDUSTRY UNION GUIDANCE:
For up-to-date requirements and recommendations for those working within a unionized sector; or to be referenced as Best Practices:
- American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA): Updated Guidance and New CDC COVID Framework
- Actors’ Equity: COVID-19 Information for Producers
- SAG-AFTRA: COVID-19 Safety Protocols
- Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC): COVID-19 Resources and Contracts
Please note:
Due to changes to NYS COVID-19 Restrictions and New York Forward Industry Guidance, some of the below recommendations have been archived or labeled as a best practice for general maintenance of public health within the workplace. The archived sections are still included within the content of these Standard Recommendations for reference and as a resource should a business wish to continue to abide by archived guidance.
3. Classifications
Performance venue visitors/renters, note that your activities are likely considered moderate or high risk unless you are participating as a soloist or teaching/performing virtually as the only person in the venue.
The very nature of visiting and using a performance space—as a patron, dancer teacher, or audience member—requires some sort of travel, public interaction, and use of on-site equipment, all of which come with a degree of risk. The “type of risk” will vary based on the actual activities you plan to engage in and when, such as: individual or distanced group activities; organized no/low-contact group activities for specific, consistent groups; organized no/low-contact group activities for public groups; local performances and/or showings; and/or touring engagements of multiple performances and/or showings, requiring travel.
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
Performance venue visitors/renters, please note that in 2020-2021, businesses were able to use their NAICS number (a 2-6 digit number) to identify their industry’s open/closed/restricted status based on statewide COVID-19 closures and protocol. As of July 2022 there are no longer restrictions on businesses In New York State, but it is recommended that businesses know their NAICS number for both general use and in the event of potential industry-wide closures or restrictions in the future.
- If a business does not know its industry number (NAICS number), which is anywhere from two (2) to six (6) digits long, they can determine it here. Search a keyword related to the business in the top search bar on the left side of the page.
- Please note that if an organization aligns with multiple industries, there may be more than one industry classification that is relevant.
Relevant NAICS codes:
- NAICS 711120 – Dance Company
- NAICS 561110 – Office Administrative Services
- NAICS 711510 – Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers
- NAICS 711310 – Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities
- NAICS 711320 – Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities
- NAICS 711219 – Other Spectator Sports
4. Masking
While state- and city-wide masking mandates have largely been lifted (including in public schools and most public spaces), businesses, local governments, and counties can choose to implement mask mandates. Mandates or recommendations on the local level supersede state mandates.
Masks are still required in hospitals, nursing homes, shelters, public transportation, and related entities in New York City.
New York State and the State’s Department of Health continue to strongly recommend mask-wearing (and six feet of physical distancing) in all public indoor settings as an added layer of protection, even when not required and regardless of vaccination status. Children 2 – 5 years old who remain ineligible for vaccination must wear a proper-fitting mask.
Responsible Parties may require that employees and patrons/dancers/teachers/audience members are permitted entry into the studio, theater, or performing arts center only if they wear an acceptable face covering, provided that they are over the age of two (2) years and able to medically tolerate such covering.
- Any mask requirements that businesses choose to implement must adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act).
The CDC recommends wearing a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for the individual. Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection, layered finely-woven products offer more protection, well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer even more protection, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection.
Acceptable face coverings for COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, cloth-based face coverings and disposable masks appropriate for exercise that cover both the mouth and nose. Learn about the CDC’s Guide to Masks.
- Bandanas, buffs, masks with vents, or gaiters are not acceptable face coverings for dancers’ use in studios, theaters, or performing arts centers.
- However, cloth, disposable, or other homemade face coverings are not acceptable face coverings for workplace activities that typically require a higher degree of protection for personal protective equipment (PPE) due to the nature of the work. For those activities, N95 respirators or other PPE used under existing industry standards should continue to be used, in accordance with OSHA guidelines. Learn about the best KN95 masks for COVID protection.
- The CDC offers additional ways you can improve how your mask protects you.
- For individuals who are unable to medically tolerate an acceptable face covering, Responsible Parties must ensure that such individuals wear a face shield at all times. However, the CDC “does not currently recommend use of face shields as a [sufficient] substitute for masks.”
- Unvaccinated individuals continue to be responsible for wearing masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidance.
Face coverings must be cleaned or replaced after use and may not be shared. Please consult the CDC guidance for additional information on cloth face coverings and other types of PPE, as well as instructions on use and cleaning.
- Responsible Parties must advise employees and patrons/dancers/teachers/audience to regularly clean or replace their face coverings if they become wet or soiled.
Individuals may choose or be required to wear their face coverings during dance activity of any kind—performances (inclusive of any group activity with an audience like fully produced shows, informal shows, open rehearsals, practice sessions, dance battles, dance jams, etc.) classes, and rehearsals. When wearing such coverings interferes with necessary aspects such as hair, makeup, or wardrobe, performers may temporarily remove their face coverings and should don them as soon as possible.
The following exceptions are permitted for all employees and patrons/dancers/teachers/audience members:
- Individuals may be temporarily permitted to remove face coverings while eating or drinking, so long as they maintain six (6) feet of distance from other individuals.
- Individuals may be temporarily permitted to remove face coverings in aquatic settings (e.g. pool, individual shower).
- Individuals may be temporarily permitted to remove face coverings if they are working solo in a designated space (so long as there is adequate ventilation and room turnover time before the next individual enters the studio) or if the individuals in the space are cohabitating.
Responsible Parties may further ensure individuals not participating in dance activities (e.g. teachers, audience members) wear acceptable face coverings when they are less than six (6) feet from other individuals, unless a physical barrier is present. Additionally, employees may be asked to wear face coverings anytime they interact with patrons/dancers/teachers/audience members, regardless of physical distance.
- If you are a solo dancer or dance worker, you may be permitted to rehearse and train without a mask, as long as you are the only individual in the space with the doors closed and windows open. Be sure to confirm with the Responsible Party/Parties.
Responsible Parties should always have masks available for the public.
In addition to the necessary PPE as required for certain workplace activities, Responsible Parties must procure, fashion, or otherwise obtain acceptable face coverings, and provide such coverings to their employees while at work at no cost to the employee. Responsible Parties should have an adequate supply of face coverings, masks, and other required PPE on hand should an employee need a replacement, or should a patron/dancer/teacher/audience member be in need.
Responsible Parties must train workers on how to adequately don, doff, clean (as applicable), and discard PPE, including, but not limited to, acceptable face coverings.
Performance venue renters, consider the following when dancing in a mask:
- A mask will make it harder to breathe during exercise initially and dancers should self-monitor for symptoms of light-headedness, dizziness, numbness or tingling, and shortness of breath
- Monitor the intensity of your class/workout as you get used to wearing a mask during exercise.
- Your body will adapt over a few weeks to wearing a mask
- If you start to feel dizzy, imbalanced, or over-fatigued, stop your activity and rest.
- You may require multiple masks to get through the day.
- If your mask becomes saturated with moisture from breathing or sweat you need to change into a dry mask. A wet mask is less efficient than a dry mask at filtering bacteria and viruses.
- Disposable masks should be worn only once and then replaced with a fresh mask.
- All reusable masks should be cleaned ideally in a washer with hot water and soap and then dried in a dryer before next use.
- There are now multiple commercial reusable mask options available for use during dance/exercise. Check out an article of recommended face masks for exercise.
5. Vaccines
For more information, please check out our VACCINES specific page.
Though no longer mandated by the city (except for the still-mandated private sector Workplace Vaccination Requirement), Responsible Parties may choose to continue following the vaccination policies outlined in the former Key to NYC Pass Program to maximize health and safety in their spaces. This program required that all people over the age of 5 show proof of two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by or authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO (except for those 18 years and older who received the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine) for indoor dining, indoor fitness (includes dance and other fitness studios), and indoor entertainment (includes theaters and performance venues). 5-11-year-old children were also required to get vaccinated to participate in high-risk extracurricular activities, including sports, band, orchestra, and dance. These requirements also meant that employees working at these locations must be fully vaccinated. People 18 and older were required to show identification along with their proof of vaccination.
Key to NYC Workplace Vaccination Requirement: All private-sector employers in NYC must see proof of full vaccination from their employees. Those employers are required to sign and publicly post an affirmation that they’re complying with the mandate. Also included are rideshare drivers, people who rent space in a coworking office, and therapists who visit clients in their home. The City may fine employers $1,000+ for violations. Visit this City Vaccine Workplace Requirement webpage to learn more about complying with the mandate. Learn more about what employers need to know about the NYC Vaccine Mandate.
Proof of vaccination
Proof of vaccination may include:
- Excelsior Pass
- NYC COVID Safe App: Android | iOS
- CDC Vaccination Card
- NYC Vaccination Record
Excelsior Pass is a digital ecosystem that enables individuals to store digital proof of test results and/or vaccine status and businesses and venues to verify these items without accessing personal health data. Learn more and download the app on the New York Forward website. In considering the use of Excelsior Pass, account for the many data privacy and legitimate concerns from immigrant communities all over New York.
NYC COVID Safe App is part of the “Key to NYC Pass” initiative to provide proof of vaccination. Many New York City employers, businesses, and venues are requiring verification of immunization or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test for their workforce and patrons. Use this app to store and present the necessary documentation to verify that you have met these requirements. The documentation you upload into this app is not shared with anyone and stays on your phone only.
More information on COVID-19 Vaccines can be found here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
6. Testing, Screening, Tracking
6a. Testing
For a comprehensive list of testing resources, please refer to our Vaccines and Testing page.
Responsible Parties may ensure that (dance and non-dance) employees whose job functions or roles involve close or proximate contact with others, have been tested for COVID-19 through a diagnostic test prior to their participation in on-site activity, and continue to be tested on a regular schedule thereafter (e.g. once per week, every two (2) weeks, etc.) when on site or location.
- Responsible Parties can consider testing employees and performers/talent in advance of a specific performance or event, and continue following a regular testing schedule for as long as those parties are actively working at performances/events at the venue.
Responsible Parties may require proof of a negative Rapid (antigen) or PCR (molecular) test to enter a facility, studio, venue, performance space, etc. (may be in addition to or instead of requiring proof of vaccination).
- While more accurate, PCR tests often take longer to give a result. Responsible Parties may request a negative PCR test from anywhere between the previous 24-72 hours, knowing that the more recent, the more accurate the test will be.
- While generally less accurate, antigen (also called “rapid”) tests give results more quickly, usually within 15 minutes of taking the test. Responsible Parties may request a negative antigen test anywhere from immediately (testing done on-side) up to 24 hours prior to an event, knowing that the more recent, the more accurate the test will be.
If you are a performance venue visitor/renter who does not have health insurance, know that COVID-19 testing is free, confidential, and available at various locations. Those seeking health insurance may consider visiting:
- Healthcare.gov
- The Actor’s Fund
- NYC CARE / 1-646-NYC-CARE
CDC Recommendations for People with COVID-19 and COVID-19 Close Contacts (updated as of August 2022):
If you tested positive for COVID-19 or have mild symptoms and are waiting for test results:
- Isolate. Stay at home for at least 5 days.
- Wear a mask, stay in a separate room from other people, and use a separate bathroom if you can.
- Do not travel for 10 days.
- If you can’t wear a mask, stay home and away from other people for 10 days.
- Contact your healthcare provider to discuss your test results and available treatment options.
At day 6 if symptoms are improving and you have no fever without fever-reducing medication for 24 hours:
- You can leave isolation.
- Keep wearing a mask around other people for 5 more days.
If your symptoms are not improving and/or you still have fever:
- Continue to stay home until 24 hours after your fever stops without using fever-reducing medication and your symptoms have improved.
After you feel completely better, keep wearing a mask around other people at home and in public through day 10.
If you have you been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19:
- Quarantine: If you are not up to date with COVID-19 vaccines or haven’t had COVID-19 in the past 90 days, stay home and away from other people for at least 5 days. Avoid travel through day 10. If you are up to date or had COVID-19 in the past 90 days you do not have to quarantine.
- Wear a mask around other people for 10 days.
- Watch for symptoms of COVID-19 for 10 days.
- Get tested on or after day 5 or if you have symptoms. People who had COVID-19 in the past 90 days should only get tested if they develop symptoms.
6b. Screening
Understand in advance what individuals are required to disclose in daily health screenings and temperature checks and what happens if someone contracts COVID-19.
Ask or determine who the Responsible Parties’ central point of contact is. This point of contact may vary by activity, location, shift, or day; they are responsible for receiving and attesting to having reviewed all health screening questionnaires, and for receiving information from patrons/dancers/teachers/audience members who later experience COVID-19-related symptoms.
Performance venue visitors/renters, encourage all members of your group to self-monitor their symptoms. This may include but is not limited to:
- Checking for fever > 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, shortness of breath twice a day
- Daily review of other symptoms that could be related, e.g. sore throat, congestion, headache, muscle and joint pain, chills, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, loss of sense of smell, pink eye
- Anyone who develops symptoms should leave immediately, seek care from their physician, and isolate
If you are a performance venue visitor/renter, please consider getting a health screening before attending any indoor or outdoor activities/gatherings.
Performance venue visitors/renters, know your rights when it comes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule and guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding confidentiality of medical records from health checks. Health checks that use only pass/fail are permissible, whereas your actual temperature and/or additional details are your private health information and are not to be shared or tracked.
- If you are a disabled individual, also note that the ADA permits employers to exclude employees with a medical condition that would pose a direct threat to health or safety, which is to be determined based on the best available objective medical evidence. Guidance from CDC or other public health authorities is such evidence. Therefore, employers will be acting consistently with the ADA as long as any screening implemented is consistent with advice from the CDC and public health authorities for that type of workplace at that time.
6c. Tracking
Performance venue visitors/renters, remember that if you are alerted, via tracing, tracking, or another mechanism, that you have come into close or proximate contact with a person with COVID-19, it is best practice to self-report to any and all employers at the time of the alert and follow any protocol provided.
7. Physical Distancing
7a. General Best Practices
Responsible Parties may ensure that a distance of at least six (6) feet is maintained among individuals, including employees and patrons/dancers/teachers/audience members, at all times, unless safety or the main activity requires a shorter distance (e.g. moving equipment, using an elevator, attending to a medical emergency).
7b. Dance Activity Best Practices
Performance venue visitors/renters who are dancers, arrive with dance clothes or costumes on or under street clothes to avoid communal gathering in dressing rooms, locker rooms, and bathrooms.
Dance studio visitors/renters, do not linger or congregate on site.
7c. Enclosed Spaces
“Enclosed Spaces” are meant to encompass spaces without external ventilation such as windows and may include restrooms, elevators, locker rooms, dressing rooms, and some studio spaces.
Performance venue visitors/renters, be aware of the increased risk of exposure that comes with regularly using shared and/or enclosed spaces like elevators and restrooms. Avoid them when possible, and when this is not possible, be sure to have PPE and practice thorough hand hygiene.
8. Visitor Management
When visiting a performance venue:
- Be mindful of public interaction (be aware of taped-off areas to keep dancers and the public at a safe distance, honor staff that enforces distance requests, etc.). keeping in mind that it is best practice to maintain at least six (6) feet of distance at all times.
- Review the protocols provided to you by the Responsible Party around their safety measures and expectations of visitors/renters and any others you may wish to and independently enforce for yourself or others in your group.
- If you are performing, consider what “safe” interaction means for your group, based on individual comfort level and pre-existing agreements.
- If you are a patron or audience member, understand that the program may vary due to a necessary understudy or change of repertory in the instance that a member of the performance group is confirmed to have COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms near or around the performance date.
9. Communication
Performance venue visitors/renters, ask for and/or follow the protocols provided to you by the performance venue. Remember that Responsible Party protocols may vary depending on the type of dance activity, how you are engaging in it (as a dancer, as an audience member) and where (size of space, ceiling heights, airflow, and fixed or flexible seating within the performance venue). The protocols of different Responsible Parties (different performance venues) may vary. If you are not comfortable with a Responsible Party’s safety measures or lack thereof, consider discussing this with the Responsible Party, reconsidering your engagement, and/or establishing increased safety measures for you and your group..
Ask what the “whistleblowing” method (that allows for real-time reports and ongoing, anonymous reports/surveys) is for you to share if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, or if you see someone not complying with health and safety measures.
Performance venue visitors/renters, consider asking the venue to clearly and accessibly communicate COVID-19 information and reopening protocols, whether written or spoken:
- For all digital communication to your dance community (e.g. via Facebook or in your e-newsletter), ensure images are verbally described in the image’s caption and ensure that information can be read via screen readers (eg. avoid screenshots of Twitter posts).
- Review Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to further your digital accessibility measures.
- Depending on student/staff/parent cohorts, consider providing ASL interpretation of health updates, Braille versions of key signage and a COVID safe badge, and Easy Read versions of all or select COVID-related communications to support those who are deaf/hard of hearing, those who are blind/vision-impaired, or those with intellectual disability.
- For spoken communication to people with companions, ensure communication is directed straight to the person and not their companion.
10. Hygiene, Cleaning & Disinfection
Performance venue visitors/renters, stay up to date on COVID-19 safety, including hand and respiratory hygiene, PPE protocols and access, and cleaning and disinfection protocols and procedures, and explore ongoing, regular training sessions. Example resources include:
Consider limiting floorwork and the touching of floors. If floorwork is necessary, you want to notify the studio, theater, or performing arts center you are in to ensure that there are spaced-out class, rehearsal, and performance times to allow for adequate cleaning and disinfection of the floor.
If you are a performance venue visitor/renter concerned about allergic or anaphylactic reactions, contact the dance studio to learn what cleaning and disinfectant products they are using.
10a. Air Handling Systems
Performance venue visitors/renters, be mindful of the air-conditioning and/or fan direction within the space, and minimize the time you spend within the airflow path.
11. Return-to-Work Guidance
If you are a performance venue visitor/renter who is also a dancer, consider the timing of your end goal:
- Does it make sense for you and/or other dancers to return to the studios if safe performance cannot happen until months later?
- How will you make space to recondition your and/or other dancers’ endurance and strength after such an extended and unusual layoff/industry pause?
- Since you have had to condition in smaller spaces, on different floor surfaces, and/or with varied instruction, you will need to make an appropriate and graded progression back to full dancing that will require a minimum of four to six (4–6) weeks depending on your company and dance genre.
12. Commerce
Be sure to consistently use facilities’ digital pre-registration, pre-space booking, and pre-ticket reservations to book class, space, and buy tickets.
13. Notes on Travel
Performance venue visitors/renters, consider the following when traveling to and from the performance venue:
- Use non-public transit when possible (walking, biking, cab, car service, etc.).
- Take public transit in the safest manner possible, including wearing your mask, avoiding high-touch surfaces, and washing your hands immediately upon arrival.
- Intentionally choose your travel time to avoid peak transit hours.
Be aware of and communicate these current requirements for international travel (as of August 2022):
The following rules apply, as per the CDC’s International Travel Requirements:
- U.S Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, and Immigrants traveling internationally to the USA
- no vaccine requirement to re-enter the U.S.
- Non-U.S. Citizens, Non-U.S. Immigrants:
- You must be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States by plane if you are a non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa). Only limited exceptions apply.
The CDC strongly recommends that you do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself from severe disease, slow the spread of COVID-19, and reduce the number of new variants. People who are not fully vaccinated should follow additional recommendations before, during, and after travel.