​COVID-19 Policy Document

In-Person NEEMF Workshops from September 2021 Safety Policy
Issued 5 August 2021
·         Please stay at home if: 
  • you have Covid symptoms or feel unwell, even if you have a negative lateral flow test. (See https://covid.joinzoe.com/post/new-top-5-covid-symptoms for latest on symptoms.
  • you have tested positive on either a lateral flow or PCR test within the past 10 days
  • someone you have close contact with has tested positive within the last 10 days
  • you have been told to self-isolate
·         We would ask you to take a Lateral Flow Test before coming to the workshop.
Please NOTE  If you have to cancel for any of the above reasons fees will be refunded on request (please email the organiser).
NEEMF
Will undertake a full Risk Assessment that includes risks from Covid-19 for every workshop including:
  1. Providing adequate ventilation (please come prepared for the venue to be colder than usual)
    We will take regular breaks outside.

  2. Reducing the maximum number of attendees to suit the venue and allow for some social distancing

  3. Cleaning more often:
    1. We will provide hand sanitizer and encourage hand washing
    2. Make sure venue is cleaned prior to the workshop
    3. Attendees are asked to avoid sharing equipment eg Music stands. If unavoidable make sure to clean equipment.

  4. Test & Trace check-in will depend on the venue, but NEEMF will keep a register of those attending so we can let everyone know if someone falls ill.
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  5. Reducing aerosol distribution.  NB Singing increases the risk. Mitigations will include:
    1. Keep singing in place 1-2m apart (no wandering about)
    2. Sing side by side (not facing) and a good distance from the leader
    3. Position singers in front of instrumentalists (if possible)
    4. Singers may like to consider wearing Singers' Masks while singing.  See this link for  pattern: https://www.neemf.org.uk/face-coverings.html
    5. Singers are encouraged to minimise singing forte or fortissimo.

  6. Attendees will be asked to wear face coverings while moving around the venue and remember to keep a distance from others so that no one is made to feel uncomfortable.

  7. Flow & pinch points - one way systems may be used to help minimise crowding.
     
  8. Refreshments
    To minimise crowding in a kitchen and sharing of plates and cups we have decided to ask participants to bring their own refreshments.  This may change if we can get enough volunteers to man the kitchen and safely manage the preparation of refreshments and clearing up of crockery.  See the instructions for each workshop.