COVID-RELATED POLICIES FOR MUSICIANS,

CIVIC ORCHESTRA OF MINNEAPOLIS

August 25, 2022

 

Since the start of the pandemic, the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis has made our top priority the health and safety of our musicians and audience. Our goal, since the beginning, has been to provide a rewarding opportunity to perform and grow with high-quality music and musical leadership, while carefully considering risks associated with COVID infections.

 

We have reviewed current COVID recommendations of the CDC. We have also obtained information about current COVID policies from the MN Orchestra, confirmed by conversation with a MN Orchestra musician. Furthermore, we have reviewed current policies of the church where we rehearse. Based on this careful review, the Board of Civic has established a new Covid policy, as follows, for the 2022-2023 season, which might of course be amended if the situation or CDC recommendations change.

 

Current data and policies do not support a requirement that musicians be vaccinated. Nor do they support a mask requirement.

 

Vaccinations are strongly recommended but not required. Proof of recent testing is not required for musicians to attend rehearsals or performances.

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Masks are optional, but musicians are encouraged to use their best judgment in deciding whether to wear a mask.

 

Please use good judgment and consider the welfare of your musical colleagues.

 

Exposure without symptoms: According to updated CDC guidelines, if you are up to date on COVID vaccinations and boosters, you do not need to quarantine unless you develop symptoms. However, for 10 days, you should wear a mask in public. If you are not up to date, you should quarantine for 5 days at home; after 5 days, you need to mask for days 6 through 10.

 

COVID Symptoms or diagnosis: People diagnosed with covid-19 should isolate for the first five days; then, for the five next days, people can go out in public if they wear a well-fitting mask; however, if someone tests positive after five days, they should keep isolating. (Note that PCR tests can stay positive for weeks or even months after an infection, so a PCR result is not recommended for the purposes of ending isolation; rapid tests are best for this purpose). Symptoms include:

              • Fever or chills

              • Cough

              • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

              • Fatigue

              • Muscle or body aches

              • Headache

              • New loss of taste or smell

              • Sore throat

              • Congestion or runny nose

              • Nausea or vomiting

              • Diarrhea

 

With everyone doing their part, we can all have an exciting and safe season.

Thank You.