Predicting a Dance-Filled and (Hopefully!) Early Spring

February 9, 2022

Written by: Janet Sellery, CRSP, CHSC

 

Disclaimer: Ontario is currently in Step 3 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen: O. Reg. 364/20: RULES FOR AREAS AT STEP 3 AND AT THE ROADMAP EXIT STEP under Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 17. This guidance is not intended as legal or medical advice. It should be used only in conjunction with applicable legislation and current guidance from government and public health authorities.

 

When Wiarton Willie popped up Groundhog and didn’t see his shadow, it was a boost to know that an early spring was on its way! Whether or not you believe the South Bruce Peninsula rodent’s prediction, I think we can all agree that spring 2022 will be more welcome than ever.

Dancers and dance studios look ahead to spring anticipating a full schedule of performances, competitions, recitals, and exams. Once again, we find ourselves trying to figure out how to outsmart COVID-19 amidst the current public health guidelines.

Easing Restrictions. Again.

As the Omicron wave levels off, Ontario is gradually easing restrictions. Schools and many businesses have re-opened, but enhanced proof of vaccination, and other requirements continue to apply in existing settings. Provided the public health and health system trends continue to improve, additional public health measures will be lifted on February 21 and March 14, 2022.

The following information is based on O. Reg. 364/20: RULES FOR AREAS AT STEP 3 AND AT THE ROADMAP EXIT STEP under  Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 17 (January 31, 2022), referred to as “the Regulation”.

Under the Regulation, these requirements are ongoing:

  • Masks and Face Coverings (SCHEDULE 1 – section 2(2.1))
  • Safety Plan (SCHEDULE 1 – section 3.3))
  • Live entertainment: requirements – Ensure performers maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from any spectators or are separated from any spectators by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier. (SCHEDULE 1 – section 6)

Here are some updates related to your most pressing questions.

Vaccine Requirements

Current Government of Ontario vaccine requirements apply to patrons (not teachers, dancers, workers or volunteers).

It is up to individual businesses and organizations establish their own vaccination and/or testing policies. Many venues, post-secondary institutions, and arts organizations have adopted vaccine policies, and these policies could apply to anyone entering their premises.

Proof of vaccination is required for patrons at businesses and organizations identified under the Regulation. Each patron who enters is required to provide, at the point of entry, proof of identification and of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (SCHEDULE 1 – section 2.1) For dance, these places may include:

  • The indoor areas of meeting and event spaces, including conference centres or convention centres.
  • The indoor areas of concert venues, theatres, and cinemas.

For more information:

Screening requirements

The purpose of screening is to identify people who may be infected and prevent them from entering the premises. For dance, screening is required for workers, students, and patrons.

Active screening includes both question-based screening and rapid antigen screening.

  • Question-based screening asks questions about symptoms and exposures to determine if a person is more likely to be infected.
  • Rapid antigen screening involves collecting a sample that is analysed to see if it contains proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Screening requirements under the Regulation:

  • General compliance: Workers must actively screened before they enter. (SCHEDULE 1 – section 2(3)(b))

  • Businesses that provide teaching and instruction: Students must be actively screened before they enter. (SCHEDULE 2 – section 14(3))
  • Concert venues, theatres and cinemas:  Patrons must be actively screened before they enter. (SCHEDULE 2 – section 22(1)(7))

For more information:

COVID-19 related signage

Under the Regulation, these signs must be posted at the business or organization, in a conspicuous location visible to the public:

  • General compliance: Signs (posted at all entrances to the premises) that inform individuals on how to screen themselves for COVID-19 prior to entering the premises. (SCHEDULE 1 – section 2(3)(a))
  • Businesses that provide teaching and instruction: Sign that states the capacity limits under which the business is permitted to operate. (SCHEDULE 2 – section 14(2.1))
  • Concert venues, theatres and cinemas:  Sign that states the capacity limits under which the concert venue, theatre or cinema is permitted to operate. (SCHEDULE 2 – section 22 (1)(2))

For more information:

Capacity

Here is info to help you to calculate your permitted capacity for each setting under the Regulation:

  • Capacity limits for indoor businesses or facilities: the maximum number of members of the public permitted in an indoor setting at 50 per cent capacity is determined by taking 50 per cent of the maximum occupant load of the business or facility, or part of a business or facility, as applicable, as calculated in accordance with Ontario Regulation 213/07 (Fire Code). (SCHEDULE 1 – section 3(3))
  • Businesses that provide teaching and instruction: (includes Dance Studios)
    • Any indoor space for in-person teaching or instruction must be operated to enable students to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person in the space, except where necessary for teaching and instruction that cannot be effectively provided if physical distancing is maintained. (SCHEDULE 2 – 14(1))
    • NOTE: You can define when you need to be closer than 2 metres to effectively provide teaching and instruction.
    • The total number of students permitted to be in each indoor instructional space at any one time must be limited to the number that can maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person in the space, and in any event, cannot exceed 50 per cent of the capacity of the instructional space (see above re. Fire Code), or 1,000 persons, whichever is less. (SCHEDULE 2 – 14(2))
  • Concert venues, theatres and cinemas: The total number of members of the public who are permitted to be in the indoor area of a concert venue or theatre at any one time shall not exceed 50 per cent capacity, as determined in accordance with subsection 3 (3) of Schedule 1 above) or, where there is seating capacity, 50 per cent of the area’s usual seating capacity or 500 persons, whichever is less. (SCHEDULE 2 – section 22(0.1))

Masks / Face Coverings for Dancers

Every person must wear a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose and chin when indoors, unless entitled to an exception as noted in the Regulation. One of these exceptions means that this requirement does not apply to a person who is performing or rehearsing. (SCHEDULE 1 – section 2(4)(f))

At a minimum, masks / face coverings must be worn when entering, moving within, and exiting the building, as well as during breaks indoors. A mask or face covering may be temporarily removed to consume food or drink.

You may choose to always require masks / face coverings, or allow them to be removed during class, rehearsal and/or performance. Keep in in mind that masks / face coverings provide an extra layer of protection for both teachers and dancers, plus many venues require masks.

While a specific “best mask” hasn’t been identified for dancers, these types are available:

  • Respirators (N95, KN 95) are recommended for anyone who has tested positive or been exposed to COVID-19, especially for those who are at risk of more severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19. While they offer more protection, they are harder to breathe through.
  • Medical masks are recommended for people who are at risk of more severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19.
  • Non-medical masks and face coverings help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if they have multiple layers of breathable, tightly woven fabric such as cotton, fit well and are properly used.

Selection

  • Proper fit is a key factor in effectiveness.
  • Choose the best quality and best fitting mask that’s available to you.

  • Masks / face coverings must fit well, with no gaps, and cover the nose, mouth and chin.
  • Choose a mask / face covering with straps, ties or loops that work well with your bun or other hairstyle.

Remember:

  • Carry a spare and replace your mask / face covering when it becomes damp, dirty or damaged.
  • Wash cloth face coverings in hot, soapy water and dry completely before wearing again.

For more information:

Recital Planning

Many dance studios are already busy planning for their end-or year recitals. Venues are booked, costumes are ordered, and choreography is underway.

On the positive side, we could see the lifting of capacity limits in all public settings on March 14. While I’m optimistic, there is nothing about future public health measures that can be guaranteed, and I do have concerns that another sneaky COVID-19 variant could appear.

Proof of vaccination is expected to be maintained in existing settings, in additional to regular public health measures.

Keep these ideas in mind as your plan your recital:

  • Venue Collaboration – Continue to share information (including your COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan, screening protocols etc.) with your venue contact. Review your contract to clarify vaccination requirements, criteria for cancellation/postponement, and responsibilities for health and safety tasks.
  • Anticipate Absences – Consider the potential for multiple dancer absences and how to adapt choreography, if needed.
  • Backup Plans – Review plans from earlier in the pandemic and update them in case you need to shift to another format such as live-streaming or a video performance. Think about alternatives to provide a positive end-of-year experience for dancers and their families.

Tips for Success

As we head into spring, remember:

  • Your planning needs to be as unique as your organization or project.
  • Choose activities you can reasonably accomplish safely.
  • Plan for multiple layers of controls (precautions) and lean towards more cautious choices.
  • Watch for new requirements and be ready to adapt.
  • Creativity and problem-solving are your super-powers!

 

Janet Sellery is a former theatre stage manager and current Health & Safety Consultant (Sellery Health + Safety) specializing in the arts, entertainment and live events.