Coronavirus Updates

Healthy & Safety Procedures 2021 – 2022 GMYS Season

We thank you for your understanding and commitment to the health and safety of our GMYS family! Please read the following information carefully.

COVID-19 Facts:

  • COVID-19 is mostly spread by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough, or sneeze. It is thought that the virus may spread to hands from a contaminated surface and then to the nose or mouth, causing infection. Therefore, personal prevention practices (such as handwashingstaying home when sick) and environmental cleaning and disinfection are important principles that are covered in this document.
  • Symptoms can include: unexplained rash, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, body aches, and most notably shortness of breath, cough and fever. If the student is exhibiting any or all of these symptoms, they will not be allowed to enter the rehearsal space and must return home.
  • Students must stay home if a GMYS family member or student:
    • Has any or all COVID-19 symptoms
    • Has been in contact with a person with COVID-19
    • Has not been practicing social distancing outside of rehearsals
  • The above information was taken from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website. For more information, please visit their website.

Mandatory Check-In Procedures

  • Prior to arrival at rehearsal, students will be required to fill out a symptom checker. Once approved by GMYS staff, students/volunteers will then receive a stamp or wristband which will signify that they are cleared to enter the rehearsal hall. 
  • GMYS 21.22 Symptom Checker : CLICK HERE
  • Students/parents/volunteers/teachers who refuse to complete the symptom checker process will not be allowed to remain on campus (U.U or MDC). 
  • Parents who wish to stay on campus during rehearsal must be registered with GMYS staff as a volunteer on that day. There are a limited number of volunteers. Those who do not receive confirmation from GMYS staff will not be allowed to stay on campus (U.U). 
  • Mandatory temperature checks at sign-in everyday.  
  • Hand sanitizer will be available at sign-in as well as every classroom and throughout the campus. 
  • There will be increased cleaning both by GMYS staff and our venues. This includes air purifiers during and after classes involving aerosols. 

In the Rehearsal Room

  • Students will be assigned a chair and stand and must use the same spot for the entire season unless otherwise instructed. Please do not use another chair unless you have been directed to by GMYS staff and it has been properly sanitized.
  • Chairs will be spaced apart. Do not move the chairs from their spot.
  • Students will be in charge of bringing/handling their own music.
  • Students must remain with their ensembles or parents during breaks.
  • Students must bring their own:
    • CDC approved face mask (covering mouth and nose)
    • Music Stand 
    • Music/Method Book (once handed out by the teacher)

Safety Procedures for Wind Players

The following safety protocols were designed based on the preliminary results of the ongoing Performing Arts Aerosol Study. Learn more about the study here.

  • Social distancing guidelines will always be followed in the classroom space. Each student will sit in the center of a 6×6 foot space. Students will be seated in straight lines, with everyone facing the same direction.
    • Trombones will have a 9×6 foot space to accommodate for their slides.
  • Masks must be worn at all times by all staff and students, including while playing where possible. Students should wear a mask with a small slit for their mouthpiece.
    • Students are responsible for providing their own masks; this means they will need to have one mask for playing (with a small slit for their mouthpiece) and a separate mask for normal use.
  • The bells of all instruments must be covered where possible.
    • Students are responsible for providing their own bell coverings. These can be made from virtually any fabric and secured snugly around the bell of the instrument.
  • Spit valves must not be emptied on the floor. It is recommended to use something to absorb the contents of the spit valve and then discard.

For more information, please review the preliminary recommendations from the study.

COVID / Quarantine Procedures

  • All GMYS families must read, understand and sign the COVID-19 waiver included in the registration form. Students will not be allowed on campus without a signed COVID-19 waiver.
  • As a precaution, it is highly recommended that students be tested before the start of our season.
    • There are many options for drive-through testing in the South Florida area. Find a testing site near you here.
  • The use of a CDC approved mask (covering nose and mouth) is encouraged at ALL TIMES indoors including while playing. It is recommended to be used outdoors as well. 

 Greater Miami Youth Symphony will now follow the masks requirements of the facility in which a class, rehearsal, or performance is held.

  • MDC – Masks Optional
  • UM – Masks / Bell Covers Required
  • Riviera – Masks Required
  • All Public School Locations – Masks Optional
  • FIU – Masks Optional
  • Pinecrest Gardens – Masks Optional  

  • If a student tests positive, they will allowed back to rehearsal only:
    • After day 10 without testing (with no symptoms)
    • After day 7 with a provided negative test result (test must occur on day 5 or later) 
    • All test results will be handled confidentiality and should be emailed to msanchez@gmys.org Parents must wait for a confirmation email from GMYS before returning to rehearsals. 
  • Likewise, if a student has come in direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, they must quarantine and return to rehearsal:
    • After day 7 with a provided negative test result (test must occur on day 5 or later) 
    • AND they must show no symptoms for 72 hours and have had no additional contact with the infected person. 
    • Vaccinated students do not need to quarantine unless they develop symptoms. Watch for symptoms until 10 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19.
  • In all cases mentioned above, the student/family must inform GMYS staff by emailing Michelle at msanchez@gmys.org. All information and student identities will be kept confidential. 
  • QUARANTINE PROCEDURE: In the event of a positive covid case, the entire ensemble will be quarantined (regardless of vaccination status) for 10 days. Any rehearsals during this time will be virtual. There will be no exception as GMYS continues to take extra precautions due to the amount of cases and variants in Miami Dade County. 
  • Families will be notified of quarantine via parent/guardian phone call and email and will be in effect immediately. 
  • No refunds or tuition changes will be given for any class cancellations due to COVID-19 or any circumstances outside of the control of GMYS. If in-person classes must be shut down or postponed, virtual class options will be available for all students. 

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