NEMPAC Health Safety Policy

Updated: April 2025

At NEMPAC, the safety and wellbeing of our employees, students, and the wider community are our highest priorities. We are committed to maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all individuals within our facility. This policy outlines the protocols in place to prevent the spread of illness and promote wellness.

In an effort to safeguard the health of all staff and students, employees, instructors, and performers who are ill or exhibiting symptoms of illness are required to stay home. Symptoms of concern include, but are not limited to, fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of taste and/or smell, chills, gastrointestinal symptoms (such as stomach issues), or other flu-like symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please stay home, report your sickness to your supervisor immediately via phone, text or email, and do not enter NEMPAC premises. 

Before returning to the facility, individuals must self-certify to the Executive Director that they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication (including fever, cough, loss of taste/smell, chills, stomach issues, or difficulty breathing), have not had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 (per CDC definition of “close contact”), and have not been instructed by a healthcare provider or local health authorities to self-isolate, quarantine, or refrain from working.

If an instructor, staff member, student or artist/performer is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19, you must:

• Stay home until cleared by a healthcare provider or until the recommended isolation period has passed.
• Notify the PMI or Classes Manager immediately so alternative arrangements can be made, including potential remote teaching options or finding a substitute instructor.
• Take a COVID-19 test if experiencing symptoms, and remain home until a negative result is received or the appropriate isolation period is completed according to CDC guidelines.

To ensure the safety of all participants we maintain cleanliness and hygiene practices at NEMPAC by doing the following:

• Instructors and staff are responsible for basic cleaning and sanitizing of shared equipment before and after use. This includes, but is not limited to, musical instruments, piano keys, microphones, and any other shared items that may come in contact with multiple individuals.
• Sanitize practice spaces between classes or performances, especially high-touch surfaces.
• Should an individual get sick (in the form of bodily fluids or vomit in a facility space) in a NEMPAC facility, NEMPAC facilities coordinator is responsible for disinfecting/professionally cleaning the space before programming or regular use resumes within 24 hours. Program staff must adhere to building and facilities guidelines and protocol. 

At present, NEMPAC does not require masking or vaccinations as a condition for participation. However, we strongly encourage all staff, students, and visitors to follow recommended public health guidelines based on their individual health needs. Should any individual feel more comfortable wearing a mask or taking other protective measures, they are encouraged to do so.

Employees or instructors who are unable to work due to illness or symptoms are eligible for sick leave as outlined in our employee handbook. Should you need medical advice or a diagnosis, please contact your healthcare provider. Any individual who is unwell or unable to self-certify their health status should refrain from attending work and seek appropriate care.

This policy is subject to change as guidance from local, state, and federal health authorities evolves. NEMPAC will continuously monitor these updates and adjust our health and safety practices accordingly. Any changes to this policy will be communicated to all staff and participants in a timely manner.

In the event of a health emergency or significant outbreak within our community, immediate communication will be sent out with specific instructions. This may include temporary closures, virtual adaptations to programming, or other necessary steps to minimize risk.

Employee and Student Cooperation We rely on the cooperation of all staff, instructors, and students to ensure a safe environment. Thank you for doing your part to help maintain a healthy, welcoming, and supportive space for all.