A document issued by the White House on April 16 defers to state governors and regional leaders to implement a three-phase approach to re-opening workplaces and public gatherings, and only after a sustained reduction in COVID-19 symptoms and cases. The broad guidelines in Opening Up America Again are non-binding and suggest that:
- First phases of re-opening would follow advancements in testing protocols, adoption of workforce protocols for testing, social distancing, and protective equipment, and fourteen days of a downward trajectory of COVID-19 cases.
- Phase one suggests “large venues (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under strict physical distancing protocols,” while schools, day cares, and camps remain closed, and social gatherings would be limited to no more than ten people.
- Phase two would limit social gatherings to no more than 50 people and recommends “moderate physical distancing protocols” for large venues.
- Phase three encourages social distancing practices at social gatherings of any size and suggests large venues would operate under “limited physical distancing protocols.”
While the document does not specify physical distancing protocols, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is maintaining Resources for Large Community Events and Mass Gatherings and guidance on Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation, which recommend a distance of six feet apart. Tracking developments within your state and region will continue to be the best source of projections on when orchestras may plan to resume concerts and community learning events and make preparations to accommodate a safe workplace. The League has created state-by-state discussion groups for orchestras stakeholders within the League’s membership, available through www.League360.org.
