NEMPAC Health Safety Policy

Updated: June 2024

 

Please see below for NEMPAC’s most updated health guidelines. We strive to maintain the quality and regularity of our program, which we believe results in the greatest learning and successful outcomes.

We reserve the right to update this policy at any time in accordance with government guidelines or a public health emergency.

NEMPAC Updated Protocols:

• FACE-MASKS: Are not required.
• VACCINATIONS: In accordance with the City of Boston COVID Guidelines – NEMPAC highly recommends the COVID vaccination but will not require it.
• SCREENING & STAYING HOME WHEN SICK: We require that if individuals attending programs do not feel well or are exhibiting symptoms of being sick, to stay home. If we notice any symptoms in a person, we reserve the right to send this individual home or refuse to attend a program or event.
• COMMITMENT TO COMMUNICATION: NEMPAC staff is committed to timely and excellent communication. In the event of a positive COVID case, all close contacts will be notified via email within 24 hours from NEMPAC when a positive case has been reported. We also ask our enrolled students or families to notify us when a positive case occurs.
• HAND WASHING & SANITIZING: Instruments with mouthpieces will always be sanitized between use. It is recommended that Instructors, staff, students, and visitors utilize hand sanitizer placed in each studio, instructional space, or community room, as well as wipe down any equipment used between use with wipes that are equipped in each studio and classroom.

Sickness / Positive Flu Case Protocol:

• If a member of our NEMPAC community tests positive for COVID, that individual, vaccinated or unvaccinated, should refer to the CDC guidelines on guaranteeing and isolating
• Please refer to our NEMPAC Education Policies for absence policy due to sickness. .

Internal Communications Protocol with Positive Case:

Should any COVID-19-positive cases arise during NEMPAC’s programming, the following is an internal communication protocol:

Step 1: Positive Case is Reported to NEMPAC by calling 857-239-9997 or info@nempacboston.org.

Step 2: Educational Program Director is immediately informed if the case is in the Community Music School, or the Operations Manager if the case was from a public event or performance.

Step 2: The Educational Programs Director or Operations Manager, with final approval from the Executive Director, decides on the next steps for isolation, testing, etc.

Step 3: The Educational Programs Director* or Operations Manager will inform all faculty, staff, audience members, and/or families that were close contacts and include how we will be moving forward. The Educational Programs Director and Operations Manager will also include all NEMPAC Administrative Staff in all communications.

*If the student is a private student, the private instruction manager will send this communication instead.

**Should the Educational Programs Director be away, the NEMPAC Educational Programs Coordinator will manage the communication with families.

Public Events and Concerts:

In addition to the protocols listed above (this does not include student recitals):

• Public concerts or events will be held indoors and outdoors.
• In accordance with City of Boston guidelines, vaccinations are not required for audience members or artists. But highly recommended.
• If a performer chooses to hold themself to higher COVID standards, such as wearing a mask while singing, that decision will be honored by the NEMPAC staff. Any additional requested protocols that may affect event management should be relayed to NEMPAC in advance so preparations can be made accordingly.

Guidelines for All Summer Programs

In addition to all current Health Safety Policy protocols & guidelines listed.

• 25 Students maximum enrollment at our Summer Program Location(s)
• Students (or their caretakers) must sign in and out at drop-off and pick-up.
• Snacks and lunch breaks will take place outdoors, weather permitting.
• All Summer Workshops will be held outdoors for at least 30% of the time, weather permitting, including snack and lunch time.
• NEMPAC’s Summer health and safety guidelines are subject to change pending any city or state guidelines.