Note from: Tricia Ward, WODL Communications coordinator, communications@wodl.on.ca

Shortly after we sent out our update on the provincial measures under the “Roadmap to Reopen”, the province announced that we would be moving back into a Modified Step 2 of the Roadmap, effective 12:01 am on January 5.

Indoor theatres are allowed to be open for rehearsing or performing a recorded or broadcasted performance, but no spectators are permitted.

Physical distancing of two meters is required, except if it is necessary for the rehearsal or recorded/broadcasted performance for performers or members of the production to be closer to each other.

Businesses must record the name and contact information of every person, which must be maintained for a period of one month. Active screening is required. (You can find the online tool at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/screening/worker/)

(There are additional guidelines for outdoor performance, but I am assuming that they are not applicable to WODL members’ current plans for January and February.)

These measures are proposed to be in place until January 26, but that date is subject to trends and public health systems indicators.

As always, Local Public Health Units may implement further controls based on local conditions.

As far as your risk assessment for how to conduct any rehearsals or recorded performance during this time, you should give consideration to:

You may find that postponing rehearsals is a necessary step due to the rising case numbers.