Health & Safety Policy COVID-19
Health & Safety Policy
This is a statement of general policy and arrangements for Method Dance Society.
We will actively maintain and promote good health and safety procedures and will:
Maintain safe and healthy work conditions
Follow Method’s COVID-19 Risk Assessment
Be open to comments and suggestions from our dancers on matters relating to health and safety
Provide information and instruction for dancers and make them aware of this policy including COVID-19 protocols.
Record any harm or injuries that occur in an Accident Book and make changes where required to avoid similar incidents in the future
Regularly review and update this policy
An Accident Log is located with the Director.
Artistic Director: Shelby Richardson
Returning to Dance Guidelines
Introduction
The following recommendations were developed based on review of the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Tool for Sport and Framework for Return to Sport Key Principles, set out by the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine (CASEM) and the Sport Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) in consideration of the most current information available regarding COVID-19 by the Public Health Agency of Canada as well as the Gyms and Fitness Centres:
Protocols for returning to operation established by Worksafe BC. it must be noted that any advisories made by federal, provincial or local health authorities will take precedence over any proposed guidelines for returning to the dance studio. The information in this document is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Regular cleaning of your personal items in concordance with CDC guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html
Medium to Low Risk of Community Transmission
1. Government and local authorities have reduced contact restriction measures but continue to prohibit large group activities. Public training facilities may or may not remain closed based on local guidelines.
2. Group sizes are restricted to 5-10 or the minimum number of dancers feasible in accordance with public health directives on group sizes.
3. Outdoor training environments are encouraged.
4. The following criteria are required for participation in studio training environments:
a) No signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days. Medical clearance is required to participate in training if a dancer has a previously documented COVID-19 infection.
b) No close contact with individuals known to have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
c) If a participant in a small training group is to test positive, a 48 hour pause is placed on that group’s in-person training sessions until all potential contacts have confirmed a negative COVID-19 test.
5. Upon arrival to the studio, an administrator is to record a verbal consent confirming that the dancer is asymptomatic. Should a dancer present with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 they should be directed home and instructed to contact their health care provider. Other teachers, and dancers are to be notified about the possible exposure, however, the dancer’s name is to remain un-identified to protect the privacy of the individual. Dancers are to not bring extra personal items into the practice area. Dancers are encouraged to remove street shoes at the entrance. Dancers are discouraged from sitting in the locker room. The number of dancers in any one class is limited to approximately 10, but this may vary depending on the size of the practice space. While teachers are encouraged to wear masks, it is understood that mask use may not always be possible for dancers depending on the training task. Higher intensity training may result in greater dispersion of droplets due to intense breathing and participant movement. When possible, dancers should confine themselves to a designated section of the practice space with distance between confined areas a minimum of 2 metres apart. Consider using tape on the floor to define these areas. Teachers are encouraged to work on skills that require minimal travelling across the studio floor. Turn sequences, balance and strength exercises, and centre-work are all appropriate. No partner work is permitted. No spectators are to enter the studio to observe practices.
6. Sanitation: Handwashing or sanitation stations are to be made easily accessible. Dancers are to wash their hands before and after each class. Used tissue, disinfectant wipes, and litter is disposed of in a lined waste bin that is emptied at least daily. No sharing of personal items including food and water bottles.
Protecting Mental Health Dancers and teachers may also be affected by the uncertainty and anxiety created by the COVID-19 outbreak. It is important to look after mental well-being as well as physical well-being. If you, or someone else, need help please know that there are many resources to reach out to.
COVID-19: Staying Well In Uncertain Times (Canadian Mental Health Association – B.C.) https://cmha.bc.ca/covid-19/
– Tips and information on how to reduce and manage anxiety in the workplace due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Managing COVID-19 Stress, Anxiety and Depression (Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions) https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health-safety/covid19_stressmanagement_5_accessible.pdf
- Tips and resources on things we can do as individuals and collectively to deal with stress and support one another during these challenging times.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak (World Health Organization) https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-considerations.pdf
– These mental health considerations were developed by the WHO’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Use as messages targeting different groups to support for mental and psychosocial well-being during COVID-19 outbreak.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health (COVID-19) (Public Health Agency of Canada) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/mental-health.html
– Tips and resources for taking care of your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak.