Covid-19 Policy (updated December 2022)
Singing is a very high risk activity for viral spread and as such, the Lehigh Valley Chorale has instituted several policies to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
1. Vaccine Policy
Vaccination is required for individuals who wish to sing with the Lehigh Valley Chorale.
As of January 2022, vaccination requirements for participation in the Lehigh Valley Chorale are based on CDC recommendations, and are as follows:
• Two shots of Moderna or Pfizer OR one shot of J&J, plus
• One booster shot when eligible:
5 months after completing the initial series of Moderna or Pfizer, or
2 months after receiving single J&J
If you are not yet eligible to receive a booster shot, you can still join. However, when you become eligible to receive a booster shot, you must do so within one month and provide your updated vaccination record to a Lehigh Valley Chorale representative. If you do not complete your booster within that time frame, you will not be permitted to attend future rehearsals until you complete your booster.
For reference: by the time of our first rehearsal (2/8/22), you are eligible for the booster if you:
• Completed your first two Moderna or Pfizer vaccinations on or before September 8, 2022, or
• Completed your first J&J vaccination on or before December 8, 2022.
All singers will be required to complete the Vaccine Attestation Form and show their vaccination card (photo OK) to a Lehigh Valley Chorale representative.
2. Mask Policy
The LVC mask status is determined by the COVID Act Now Community Risk Levels (i.e., Green, Yellow, Orange) for Northampton County. These risk levels are based on the CDC’s Community Level framework which looks at three primary criteria: weekly new reported cases per 100K, weekly COVID admissions per 100K, and the percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID patients.
Masks will be mandatory for any rehearsal when the Northampton County Community Risk Level is Yellow or Orange (Green is optional).
Masks will be mandatory for any indoor performance when the Northampton County Community Risk Level or Orange (Green and Yellow are optional).
The Board of Directors will provide weekly updates to the singers regarding mask status for each rehearsal.
• We strongly recommend masks with superior filtration, including N95, KN95, and/or KF94 masks.
• Surgical masks and cloth masks with replaceable filters are also acceptable.
Singers may remove their masks during breaks and when outside of the primary rehearsal or performance space.
Masks will be available at every rehearsal for any singers who need one.
The Artistic Director and Accompanist are always mask-optional.
3. Testing
Singers who test positive for COVID may return to rehearsal five days after a positive test as long as symptoms (significant congestions, shortness of breath, productive cough) have resolved.
• The Chorale will not monitor singer testing data. A negative test is not required for return.
• We ask that all singers err on the side of caution to ensure the overall safety of our group.
4. FAQs
We will update these FAQs periodically as/if additional questions come up. If you have a question that is not addressed below, please contact Dave Walp (President) or Jim DeNora (Membership Chair).
I am not yet eligible for the booster. Can I still sing?
Yes, but you will be required to get the booster as soon as you are eligible. The latest CDC guidance encourages individuals to get the booster 5 months after completing the initial 2-shot series of Moderna or Pfizer, or 2 months after receiving a single shot of the J&J vaccine. This means that by the time of our first rehearsal (2/8/22), you are eligible for the booster if you:
• Completed your first two Moderna or Pfizer vaccinations on or before September 8, 2022, or
• Completed your first J&J vaccination on or before December 8, 2022.
You will have a one-month period to complete the booster upon reaching eligibility. If you do not complete your booster within that time frame, you will not be permitted to attend future rehearsals until you complete your booster.
I can’t be vaccinated due to a medical condition. Can I get a waiver?
We are not able to accommodate any requests to waive the vaccination requirement. Because singing is such a high-risk activity for viral transmission, we need to take maximum precautions to keep our participants and their families safe. CDC guidance indicates that most people with underlying medical conditions can – and should – receive the vaccine.