MAYDAY CLUB YOUTH CHOIR FOR AUTISM ADVOCACY SOCIETY
COVID-19 Safe Operating Plan
Last Updated 2021-Sept -23
*This document is subject to change. The contents are considered factual and accurate up to the date they have been published. As conditions and public health policy change, this document will be updated and adapted to complement public health requirements as communicated by the Government of Canada, the BC Government, and the Fraser Health Authority.
Definitions:
PHO = public health orders
ED = Executive Director (currently Nicole Provost)
Purpose and scope
Mayday Club Youth Choir has prepared this plan in order to resume practices and performances amid changing published Public Health Orders. The health and safety of our members is vital.
The scope of this plan applies to all members of Mayday Club Youth Choir and attendees of our practices and events. It defines expectations that are based on existing COVID safety protocols used in BC including BC’s Restart Plan and Public Health orders.
Compliance with this program will be monitored by the Executive Director and all directors of the Board of Mayday Choir, when they are present.
What is COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)?
According to the World Health Organization, the name of the virus causing a global pandemic is officially known as SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it is responsible for is classified as COVID-19. The media will normally refer to both virus and disease as Covid-19. This virus is a respiratory infection and is a novel disease to humanity for which we have no immunity. Symptoms of infection with the virus range from asymptomatic (no apparent symptoms) to symptoms similar to other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and common cold: cough, sneezing, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms can include fatigue, muscle aches, diarrhea, headache, or lost sense of smell. While most people infected with COVID-19 experience only mild illness, severe illness can occur in other people, especially in those with weaker immune systems, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. Although those affected the most severely tend to be the elderly, the virus is being transmitted across all age groups.
Actions by members for meetings
- Members will conduct a symptom check prior to arrival at practice. See Figure 1 (Below). Members shall not attend if any symptoms are present.
- Members will present proof of vaccination prior to admittance to any practice or performance for all members and support personnel that are 12 years of age or older as per the PHO. The proof required is as dictated by the most current PHO. If you are not comfortable providing us with this information, or choose not to get vaccinated, we are offering online Zoom practices and performances so that you can continue to be involved.
- Members must wear a facial covering / mask while practicing in any indoor location as per PHO. Mayday Club will provide a face mask if the member cannot provide one.
- Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing is encouraged and considered obligatory for the duration of the pandemic. Washing hands or the use of hand sanitizer should occur:
- Upon entry to the practice or event
- Before and after eating
- After using the washroom
- After touching your face
- After pickup up garbage
- Directors or volunteers will wipe down all surfaces and equipment touched in common areas after use and throughout the practice / event
Physical Distancing – members are required to maintain two meters distance (6 feet) during practices. All members will be asked to stay on the assigned spot / seat during the practice, especially those over the age of 22. These assigned seats shall be spaced at a 2 meter distance, directors or volunteers will document the location of the assigned spot for purposes of contract tracing. There should be no mingling though Mayday recognizes that members with medical or other disabilities may have challenges and may need support from a support person. Programs “for youth” are exempt in the PHO from needing to remain seated but Mayday will ask all members to stay in the assigned spot/seat if possible to decrease risk.
- The support person or parent of members should only stay present if necessary to support the individual (see further instructions regarding support person below**). If the individual does not require support, parents are asked to leave the site in order to minimize persons who are present and, therefore, minimize exposure risks. If parents or support personnel remain on site, they must follow the same guidelines as listed in this document. The parent or support person will be assigned a seat and will need to show proof of vaccination. If a person requires support for a medical reason or reason related to a disability, the support person may leave his or her seat to support the member.
- Masks may be removed for eating or drinking but social distance must be maintained.
- No communal food will be served unless it is pre-packaged
- The Executive Director or a volunteer will maintain attendance records for all practices. Nicole Provost will be considered the organizer for these events.
- Capacity limits as per the PHO will be honoured. Indoor organized seated gatherings can have a capacity of 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater.
- Members will need to electronically or via in person verbal declaration that they understand and will follow this safety plan. See below for declaration wording.
**Usual Mayday Club policy is that all members have an emergency contact on file. If a parent or guardian is not staying to offer support, and a number other than the emergency contact should be called in case of concerns or if support is urgently needed, the parent or caregiver should leave a cell phone number with Mayday. Mayday Club would ask parents to err on the side of giving more support / staying on site to give support if there is any possibility support will be needed. The purpose of the Mayday Club Executive Director is to lead the practice for all members and she cannot provide individual support to each member. If Mayday Club feels that the member requires more support, they will reach out to the parent or guardian to ensure adequate support is in place so everyone can have a successful event.
Acknowledgement and Agreement
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the COVID- 19 Safe Operating Plan for Mayday. I also understand that requirements or specific procedures may change based on public health guidance and I agree to adhere to the requirements.
