Our approach and guidelines this term will reflect a commitment to the safety of our most vulnerable members and a goal of keeping our rehearsal season inclusive and as free from interruption due to illness as possible. Being a diverse choir of over 120 2SLGBTQQIA+ folks, it is important for us to respect and uphold diverse opinions to honour our commitment to DEI and to create a safe space for all our community members. We are also sensitive to the fact that we are entering the cold and flu season.
For these reasons, here is our policy for the Fall 2023 term:
1. Medical grade masks will be required at rehearsals. The mask should cover your nose and chin and not be pulled away from your face while singing. Medical grade masks include: blue surgical masks, KN94, N95, and many others. Fabric masks are not sufficient. Please note that we will be unmasked (with an option to mask) when we perform in December. If you are curious about the effectiveness of masks to reduce risk of spreading airborne illnesses during singing, please see this study in Nature, one of the leading scientific journals: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-021-00385-7 .
2. A large HEPA filter will be in the room cleaning the air as we rehearse each week.
3. If you feel sick in any way (including if you test positive for COVID), please do not come to rehearsal. The updated provincial COVID guidelines are available here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/protection-covid-19-and-other-respiratory-illnesses#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20sympt. Please follow this guidance. 
