All of our COVID policies and protocols have been written following guidelines issued by the CDC, Chorus America, American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Boulder Concert and Chamber Chorale Policies
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all singers auditioning and participating in the Concert and Chamber Chorales for the 2021-2022 Season.
- A singer’s mask is required for all rehearsals and performances. You can purchase your N95 mask here.
- The Artistic Director will build in appropriate break lengths and/or move rehearsal locations at 45-minute intervals for air exchanges.
- All staff must be fully vaccinated.
- Every participating member must follow the provided self-screening protocol prior to rehearsal each week.
- Following the recommendations from the above organizations, we are currently requiring that all singers of all ages wear a mask for the duration of auditions, rehearsals, and performances. This masking policy is subject to change. We have purchased special singers’ masks for our members.
Notification Protocols
If an adult singer, director or pianist, or family/household member tests positive, notification is required to the General Manager (GM) at julie@boulderchorale.org.
Step 1: Based on symptoms or contacts, the GM talks to the affected person to determine if there is a probable case or contact with a positive case. GM notifies the Board.
Step 2: UPDATED (Monday, December 27, 2021): Given what we currently know about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation for the public. People with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter.
Additionally, the CDC is updating the recommended quarantine period for anyone in the general public who is exposed to COVID-19. For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html
According to the Boulder County Department of Health:
Outbreaks
Outbreaks are instances in which more than one person is ill. Providers should report known or suspected outbreaks in settings such as health care facilities, child care centers, schools and workplaces immediately (within four hours of detection) to either the local public health agency or to us at 303-692-2700.
Contact information
Boulder County Public Health
3450 Broadway
Boulder, CO 80304
303-441-1100
HIPAA AND YOUR VACCINATION STATUS
Question: Is it a HIPAA violation for the Boulder Chorale to inquire as to an individual’s COVID vaccine status?
Answer: No. Anyone can ask you for information about your vaccination status without violating the law. HIPAA, also known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and its subsequently added Privacy Rule, include provisions to protect a person’s identifying health information from being shared without their knowledge or consent. HIPAA applies to the release of medical information by certain covered entities and does not apply to a request for medical information. HIPAA only applies to specific health-related entities, such as insurance providers, health-care clearinghouses, health-care providers and their business associates.
The Boulder Chorale is not a covered entity under HIPAA or the subsequently added Privacy Rule. Colorado does not have a state HIPAA equivalent that prohibits asking for vaccination information. Therefore, neither the federal HIPAA law nor any applicable state laws apply.
Question: Can you refuse to provide your vaccination status?
Answer: Yes, you can refuse to answer the vaccination status. The Boulder Chorale can similarly refuse to allow your participation for the safety of its members and staff, based on CDC, state, and local guidelines.