Arts Organizations – Re-Opening Considerations
Part 1: Complying With State and Local Mandates
In March, the COVID-19 Pandemic shut down many of our organizations. As the months have passed, the state of Pennsylvania has loosened lockdown restrictions and now has many mandates in place to mitigate the spread of the virus. It may be frustrating and challenging to navigate all of this. Here is a lot of information that we hope can help.
Occupancies
One challenge many of our organizations are facing right now is navigating the many state and local mandates regulating in-person events. All state restrictions on in-person gatherings can be found on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 Response Site. Remember to check with your local county or municipal health department for more specific information, and to stay updated with amendments to the governor’s orders on outdoor and indoor events.
According to the order amended by Governor Tom Wolf on October 9, venues should follow the following guidelines for event occupancy:
Masks
The second most important legal consideration is the mandate to wear protective face coverings. We know from recent research that this virus is primarily spread through airborne particulates. Researchers have also told us that one of the best ways to mitigate the spread of the virus is by wearing masks, or other protective face coverings. Currently in the state of Pennsylvania face coverings are required in all public spaces. All pertinent information can be found in this order issued by the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
What counts as a mask?
- Any covering that covers the mouth and nose that is secured to the head. This can include cloth masks sewn by hand or machine, plastic face shields, procedural masks, surgical masks and N95 respirators
Do I have to require my guests/customers to wear a mask?
- Under the current mandate people are required to wear a face covering in all indoor spaces where the public is allowed and outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained
- Business are required to deny entry to individuals not wearing a mask
Who is exempt from having to wear a mask?
- Section 3 of the mandate lists several cases in which masks are not required. The following individuals are not required to wear a mask, and are not required to provide documentation:
- Individuals who cannot wear masks because of a medical condition, including those with respiratory issues that impede breathing, a mental health condition, a disability;
- Individuals for whom wearing a mask while working would create an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines;
- Individuals who would be unable to remove a mask without assistance;
- Individuals who are under two years of age;
- Individuals who are communicating or seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired or has another disability where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
Other frequently asked questions about the mask mandate have been answered on the Department of Health’s website. They can be found here.
Other Concerns
- Cleaning and Disinfecting: While the virus is mostly spread through airborne particles, it is still important to maintain diligent cleaning practices of commonly touched surfaces. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has an online guide to help businesses develop and implement disinfecting plans.
- Social Distance: The Department of Health requires that businesses enforce social distancing with signs, separate entry points and other mitigation efforts. More guidance for businesses’ responsibility to employees and customers can be found here on the Governor’s website.
It is important for organizations to follow local and state mandates, and to follow guidance from health officials. It is also paramount for our organizations to stay informed. This pandemic is predictably unpredictable and we can expect laws and mandates to change as news develops about the pandemic.