Start… Stop… Start again - working out Government Guidance on COVID-19 for Ukulele Groups
A Summary of Government COVID-19 guidance in relation to Amateur Music Groups
Correct at the time of writing (25th July 2020) for England only.
Under the latest government guidelines, professional musicians can now participate in indoor rehearsals and performances without an audience – or outside, with a reduced audience, “ for work purposes only.”
However, this does not apply to amateur musicians for whom the broader guidance on "Meeting People Outside Your Household” applies... unless it doesn't!
Meeting People Outside Your Household
This applies in areas where there is not a local lockdown, so applies to Gateshead at present.
Currently guidance emphasises that in order to keep you and your family and friends safe, it remains very important that you stay alert when meeting others. You should:
• only socialise indoors with members of up to 2 households ‒ this includes when dining out or going to the pub
• socialise outdoors in a group of up to 6 people from different households or up to 2 households (anyone in your support bubble counts as one household)
• not hold or attend celebrations (such as parties) where it is difficult to maintain social distancing and avoid close social interaction – even if they are organised by businesses and venues that are taking steps to follow COVID-19 secure guidelines
• limit social interaction with anyone outside the group you are attending a place with, even if you see other people you know, for example, in a restaurant, community centre or place of worship
• try to limit the number of people you see, especially over short periods of time, to keep you and them safe, and save lives. The more people with whom you interact, the more chances we give the virus to spread
You can also minimise the risk of spreading infection by following some key principles. You should:
• continue to follow strict social distancing guidelines when you are with anyone not in your household or your support bubble
• take hygiene precautions by washing your hands as soon as you are home for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitiser when you are out, use a tissue when sneezing and dispose of it safely, and cough into the crook of your elbow
• access private gardens externally wherever possible – if you need to go through someone else’s home to do so, avoid touching surfaces and loitering
• avoid using toilets in other people’s home (outside of your support bubble) wherever possible and wipe down surfaces as frequently as possible
• using disinfectant, wipe down any surfaces or door handles people from outside of your household or support bubble come into contact with if walking through your home
Gatherings in COVID-19 secure venues
COVID– 19 Secure Venues
A Covid-19 secure venue is a community facility which is used for a range of purposes. To be considered Covid-19 secure there are general principles that managers should follow prior to and during the opening. Any reopening plans should be consistent with:
• core public health guidance regarding health, hygiene, and social distancing
• safe workplace guidelines, to ensure employees are safe to return to work
• A Covid-19 Risk Assessment having been completed and all appropriate actions identified have been implemented.
• A fire risk assessment is undertaken if the building or space is repurposed, for example when there is any change in use or type of use.
Users and hirers of a community facility have responsibility for managing risks arising from their own activities when they have control of premises and should take account of any guidance relevant to their specific activity or sector.
Clubs or Groups
Government guidance says that clubs or groups can begin to meet again in COVID-19 secure venues. However, you should take care to remain socially distant from anyone you do not live with or is not in your support bubble. You should also limit social interaction with anyone outside of these formal activities even if you see other people you know. Venues should ensure they comply with COVID-19 secure guidelines.
It’s against the law for gatherings of more than 30 people to take place in private homes (including gardens and other outdoor spaces), or in a public outdoors space, unless planned by an organisation in compliance with COVID-19 secure guidance. Businesses and venues following COVID-19 secure guidelines can host larger groups. This is also the case for events in public outdoor spaces that are organised by businesses, charitable or political organisations, and public bodies, provided they take reasonable steps to mitigate the risk of transmission, in line with COVID-19 secure guidance and including completion of a risk assessment.
So how are we going to get together again to play live
Low Fell Ukes will be meeting in a COVID-19 Secure Venue (more about that in our next News) and, subject to undertaking a Risk Assessment and creating a set of Expectations of behaviour to keep folk safe - we can meet again. The only downside at the moment is that, whilst professionals can sing, amateur groups are not able to sing. However, we can play - possibly with pre-recorded vocal tracks - I can just see the next Headlines “Low Fell Ukes play with Lady Gaga!”
Our draft expectations are:
Low Fell Ukes
COVID- 19 Expectations
Purpose
These expectations are designed to help keep Low Fell Uke members safe from infection from COVID-19 whilst meeting together as a club. Agreement to these expectations are a condition of the group being able to meet in person.
Scope
These expectations apply to all members of Low Fell Ukes (‘club’). Any member who feels unable to agree to abide by the expectations or flagrantly breaches them will be asked to leave the group until such time as the Government feels there are no need for these rules.
COVID-19 Secure Venue
The club will be meeting in Gateshead Rugby Club which is a COVID-19 Secure Venue. As such Low Fell Uke members must abide by all safety instructions posted in the building or given by Gateshead Rugby Club staff or officials.
Expectations
Members agree that they will not attend club sessions if, to the best of their knowledge, they have displayed symptoms of COVID-19 or come into contact with a known case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
Members are asked to avoid using public transport if they can. If they do use it they should wear a mask and observe social distancing.
If there are any queues to enter a space or building e.g. signing in or the function room members to maintain 2-meter social distance.
At the present time no live singing or playing of flutes, whistles or kazoos is allowed at club sessions.
Members should not exchange instruments, music or equipment.
Antibacterial wipes will be provided and members should wipe down furniture and equipment before session
Antibacterial hand gel stations will be provided and should be used.
Where seating is not provided members should provide own collapsible seating.
All seating must be two meters distant from the next seat – sides, front and back.
Any time spent closer than 2 meters should be kept to a matter of seconds
There will be a maximum capacity of 30 people at any club session.
Club members to bring appropriate PPE if they require it. (Not mandatory)
All personal possessions including coats, bags etc should be stored on or under the member’s seat and taken home with them. All rubbish should be taken home or disposed of in appropriate rubbish bins.
Food or drink should not be shared with people outside of your ‘bubble’.
Food and drink purchased at the bar must be done in accordance with Gateshead Rugby Club instructions and all glasses returned to the bar.
Committee meetings will be held via Zoom.
It is the responsibility of all members to ensure their own safety and that of other club members and people who come into contact with the club. All members should feel comfortable to point out any safety concerns and also to accept prompts in a positive fashion. Any concerns about behaviour which cannot be resolved informally should be reported to the club’s officials Pat Carter, Paul Arkless or Richard Taylor.
Declaration
I agree to abide by the above expectations whilst involved with Low Fell Ukes.
Signed:
Name:
Date: