FAM COVID-Safe (Sub) Plan: Indoor Events & Performance

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FAM COVID-Safe (Sub) Plan: Indoor Events & Performance
FAM COVID-Safe (Sub) Plan:
Indoor Events & Performance
FAM COVID-Safe (Sub) Plan: Indoor Events & Performance
Contents
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 3

   Principles ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
PHYSICAL DISTANCING ........................................................................................................................... 5

   Venue spacing ............................................................................................................................................. 5
       Audience – Performers............................................................................................................................... 5
       Musicians .................................................................................................................................................... 5
   Capacity Limits ............................................................................................................................................ 5
       Seated Audience ......................................................................................................................................... 5
       Non-seated Spaces ..................................................................................................................................... 5
FACE MASKS .............................................................................................................................................. 6

HYGIENE...................................................................................................................................................... 6

   Venue Cleaning ........................................................................................................................................... 6
   Hand Sanitation ........................................................................................................................................... 6
   Surface Hygiene .......................................................................................................................................... 6
   Air Flow ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
FRONT OF HOUSE .................................................................................................................................... 8

   Risk Control .................................................................................................................................................. 8
   Patron Safety ................................................................................................................................................ 8
TICKETING .................................................................................................................................................. 8

FOOD & BEVERAGE.................................................................................................................................. 8

BACK OF HOUSE ....................................................................................................................................... 9

   Risk Control .................................................................................................................................................. 9
INCIDENTS .................................................................................................................................................. 9

   Unwell Participant ....................................................................................................................................... 9
   COVID-19 Reporting .................................................................................................................................. 9
RECORD KEEPING/CONTACT TRACING ...........................................................................................10

   QR Codes ...................................................................................................................................................10

                                                                                                                                                         Page 2 of 10
Faculty of Fine Arts & Music                           COVID Safe (Sub) Plan Indoor Events & Performance                                  Version: 1.8
Date prepared: 24 June 2021                             Authorised by: Faculty Executive Director                            Review Date: 8 July 2021
                                                           © The University of Melbourne | Faculty of Fine Arts and Music – Uncontrolled when printed
INTRODUCTION
This plan is drafted in accordance with mandates and advice from the Australian Government,
the Victorian Department of Health (DH), WorkSafe Victoria, and the University of Melbourne
with the aim to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 during on-campus, indoor - theatre,
dance, music, or art performances.
The plan has been prepared to assist staff and students of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music
(FAM) to operate safely at the university’s workplace venues producing and presenting
performance events and to ensure, in accordance with current restrictions, any public in
attendance can be confident that their health and safety is being protected.
University of Melbourne has implemented a comprehensive COVIDSafe event risk management
and compliance framework of categories, approval requirements and accountabilities for events
throughout the university. This framework includes a Checklist that has been created to support
organisers for effective management of small to medium category in-person events. i.e.
Public Tier 3 events (as classified by the Victorian Government).
•    Tier 3 events are those with 1000 or less public attendees and do not have any significant
     public health risk factors. Tier 3 events must be registered with the Victorian Government at
     least one week before the start of the event.
     https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/public-events-information-for-organisers
Organisers must seek approval from the Pandemic Response Team to conduct public
Tier 1 or 2 events or private events with more than 1000 proposed attendees.

Organisers of Faculty of Fine Arts and Music on-campus indoor performance events with
less than 1000 attendees are to follow this process:

     Request approval for event / activity:
    1. Review COVIDSafe Subplan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that relate to your activity.
    2. Complete Event/Activity Approval Request form.
    3. Have your request reviewed, approved and signed by the relevant Director.
    4. Submit your Request to Manager, Infrastructure & Operations fineartsmusic-io@unimelb.edu.au
    (no requested activity can commence until approval has been provided in writing).
    Once you have received approval – register, risk manage and record:
    1. Register your event through UOM COVIDSafe Event Registration at least five business days
    prior to the start date.
    2. Complete UoM COVIDSafe Events Checklist with reference to relevant FAM COVIDSafe Sub Plan
    and SOPs to ensure all controls are in place prior to the commencement of the event / activity.
    Keep a copy on hand for the duration of the event. Monitor and update as necessary.
    3. Ensure you have submitted your completed Events Checklist to Manager, Infrastructure &
    Operations fineartsmusic-io@unimelb.edu.au prior to the commencement of the event / activity,
    which will be kept on record for review by the Public Health Network if required.

                                                                                                                     Page 3 of 10
Faculty of Fine Arts & Music       COVID Safe (Sub) Plan Indoor Events & Performance                                  Version: 1.8
Date prepared: 24 June 2021         Authorised by: Faculty Executive Director                            Review Date: 8 July 2021
                                       © The University of Melbourne | Faculty of Fine Arts and Music – Uncontrolled when printed
Principles
Duty of Care
All performing arts venues are required to observe COVIDSafe protocols and use all reasonable
endeavours to ensure a safe environment for both workers and patrons, minimising the risk of
transmission of COVID-19 as much as possible.
COVIDSafe Workplaces
Government mandates and guidelines for infection control are based on six principles.
     1.   Physical Distancing
     2.   Wear a Face Mask
     3.   Practice Good Hygiene
     4.   Keeping Records
     5.   Avoiding Interactions in Enclosed Spaces (activities outside/adequate ventilation)
     6.   Creating Workforce Bubbles
Regulatory Compliance
Primary compliance reference for developing this plan is the Victorian Department of Health;
https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/arts-and-entertainment-services-sector-guidance
Current Restriction
Victorian Metro Melbourne COVIDSafe Restrictions from 11.59pm Thurs 24 June 2021
 Education        TAFE and universities open.
                  Metro Density Quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm applies (i.e. for offices & shared spaces)
                  No density limits on spaces used exclusively for students in higher education teaching and learning
                  activities (note this is not for events or performances that have public in attendance).
 Entertainment          Indoor seated entertainment venues Metro & Regional: Open to 75% of seated capacity up to a
 facilities             maximum of 300 people per space. No group limit.
                        Indoor non-seated venues Metro: Open to maximum 300 people per space.
                        Density quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm applies. No group limit.
                        Indoor non-seated venues Regional: Open to maximum 300 people per space.
                        Density quotient of 1 person per 2 sqm applies when using a COVID Check-in Marshal otherwise DQ
                        1/2m2 applies. No group limit.
 Face masks             Must be carried at all times.
                        Must be worn indoors except if at home, or if an exception applies.
                        Recommended to be worn outdoors where 1.5 metres physical distancing cannot be maintained.

COVIDSafe University Events
The University is committed to returning events to its campuses in a COVIDSafe way.
'Events' are defined as gatherings of people for reasons not directly related to UoM operations -
class teaching and learning, research and maintenance works are not considered events.
Consistent with the University’s broader return to campus approach, priority will be given to
events in the following order that are operationally feasible:
     1.   Events directly related to or in support of teaching, learning or research.
     2.   Events related to the student experience.
     3.   Events connected to strategic partnerships and/or relationships.
     4.   Non-UoM events
Best Practice
In the interests of COVID safety and industry reputation this plan generally aligns with the best
practice policies of leading Australian performing arts associations and venues. Where
regulatory guidelines recommend, best practice is to implement as standard procedure.
Note: This plan is subject to continuous improvement and updates in response to changes in
Covid-19 circumstances and regulations as may be required.

                                                                                                                            Page 4 of 10
Faculty of Fine Arts & Music              COVID Safe (Sub) Plan Indoor Events & Performance                                  Version: 1.8
Date prepared: 24 June 2021                Authorised by: Faculty Executive Director                            Review Date: 8 July 2021
                                              © The University of Melbourne | Faculty of Fine Arts and Music – Uncontrolled when printed
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Venue spacing
People in the venue (workplace) should be at least 1.5 metres apart and there should be no
overcrowded areas.
Obviously when seated in an auditorium 1.5 metre distancing cannot be maintained.
Face masks must be worn indoors to minimise infection risk. The duration of time spent in
proximity less than 1.5 metres should also be reduced as much as practicable.
Audience – Performers
A five-metre rule is recommended by DH to separate audience from performers.
This is to be applied where practicable for theatre, dance, music, or art performance events.
    • Movable seating should be set to 5m from the performing area borderline.
    • Depending on assessed performance risks, fixed seating may require exclusion of first
         and second rows of seats to achieve the 5m separation from the performing area.
 Any five-metre physical distancing control measure being applied for the performance event
should be noted on the UOM Events Checklist in the section Attendee Management.
Musicians
Overall distancing layout should ensure the density quotient i.e. minimum grid spacing for
musicians across an area, is no less than one person per four square metres (1/4m2 rule).
     •    Musicians including vocalists should maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres.

Indoor Capacity Limits
Overall capacity limits apply for venues which are mandated upon the risk associated with the
activity and who is in attendance.
    • Teaching & Learning 100% Venue Capacity
         UoM Personnel with no external attendance
    • Public Performance 75% Venue Capacity to maximum 300 people
         Non-UoM Personnel in attendance

Seated Audience
The maximum number of public patrons (viz. student performance with family, friends, or
industry professionals in attendance) allowed in a performance event is 75% total capacity of
seated capacity for a maximum of 300 people per venue.
Non-seated Spaces (Metro Melbourne)
A density quotient of one person per four square metres (1/4m2 rule) apply in non-seated
spaces, such as lobbies, foyers, bars, and all venues must continue to use the Victorian
Government QR Code Service for patrons and staff.
All venue spaces rooms etc. have maximum COVIDSafe capacity signage, which are to be
adhered to in operations of theatre, dance, music, or art performance events.
Entry to, and egress from, a seated space or a non-seated space must be monitored and
staggered where possible to ensure compliance with the limits that apply.

                                                                                                                     Page 5 of 10
Faculty of Fine Arts & Music       COVID Safe (Sub) Plan Indoor Events & Performance                                  Version: 1.8
Date prepared: 24 June 2021         Authorised by: Faculty Executive Director                            Review Date: 8 July 2021
                                       © The University of Melbourne | Faculty of Fine Arts and Music – Uncontrolled when printed
FACE MASKS
COVIDSafe Restrictions from 11.59pm Thurs 24 June 2021
Evidence is clear wearing a face mask makes a real difference in slowing the spread of the virus.
General Requirements –
    • Face masks must be carried at all times.
    • Face masks must be worn indoors except at home or if an exception applies.
    • Recommended to be worn outdoors where 1.5m physical distancing cannot be
        maintained
Performing – Lawful exemption allows masks to be removed when performing requires singing,
clear enunciation, visibility of the mouth, playing wind or brass instruments or strenuous
exertion as in dance is essential to the nature of work or education.
However, masks must be worn prior to the required action, removed when required, and
reinstated immediately after doing the action.

HYGIENE
Venue Cleaning
     •    Initial pre-opening comprehensive cleaning and schedule of environmental cleaning to
          ensure frequent cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces and bathrooms.
     •    Checks that daily cleaning of each location has been done prior to opening.
     •    Cleaning schedule in common areas such as bathrooms, kitchens etc posted.

Hand Sanitation
     •    Hand sanitiser stations are to be easily available at entrances.
     •    Hand hygiene posters are to be placed prominently.
     •    Designated toilet facilities with hand cleaning in place.

Surface Hygiene
     •    Reduce touch points where possible, such as using contact-less payments, workplace
          access-cards and entry-points.
     •    Any venue location high touch activities to be identified and controlled - additional
          cleaning of surfaces between patron attendances to be done as required.
     •    Equipment that is shared between people is to be identified.
          (e.g. keyboards, manual handling, audio visual equipment, headphone etc.)
          To reduce risk of infection, equipment may not be used or may be replaced with
          disposable items - otherwise disinfectant wipes are available and are to be used to wipe
          down and sanitise equipment before use by each different person.

Air Flow
     •    Airflow in venues to be enhanced with air-con set to optimum at start of day and
          windows open etc. where possible.
     •    Theatrical smoke/fog/haze effects, under provisions of standard event risk assessment
          procedures, are currently not permitted due to Victoria’s current risk level for active
          cases and management of community transmission.

                                                                                                                      Page 6 of 10
Faculty of Fine Arts & Music        COVID Safe (Sub) Plan Indoor Events & Performance                                  Version: 1.8
Date prepared: 24 June 2021          Authorised by: Faculty Executive Director                            Review Date: 8 July 2021
                                        © The University of Melbourne | Faculty of Fine Arts and Music – Uncontrolled when printed
Feb 26 2021 - Industry Restart Guidelines: Indoor Entertainment Venues

                                                                                                                 Page 7 of 10
Faculty of Fine Arts & Music   COVID Safe (Sub) Plan Indoor Events & Performance                                  Version: 1.8
Date prepared: 24 June 2021     Authorised by: Faculty Executive Director                            Review Date: 8 July 2021
                                   © The University of Melbourne | Faculty of Fine Arts and Music – Uncontrolled when printed
FRONT OF HOUSE
Risk Control
FOH staff should be familiar with their Standard Operating Procedures and briefed about this
COVIDSafe sub plan for performances as well as informed of any additional measures in place
due to unique risks related to the artform, audience, or nature of performance as may be noted
in the specific UoM COVIDSafe Checklist for the Event.

Note: Temperature testing or health declarations by workers and patrons upon entry to venues
has not been mandated by the Regulatory authorities at this time.

Patron Safety
Patrons are to be informed, assured, and reminded of the Venue’s COVIDSafety protocols.
Although patrons whilst seated in an auditorium may be within the 1.5m social distance rule,
with masks on and in a facing forward position the risk of droplet infection may be less than
when people are mobile and become congested in non-seated area. Therefore, monitoring of
patrons to ensure social distancing in non-seated areas is important along with hygiene
protocols.
    • Manage circulation of patrons in public areas – separate entrance/exit.
    • Manage Hygiene – hand sanitiser.
    • Manage entry to, and egress from, a seated space or a non-seated space.
       Monitor and stagger, where possible, to ensure compliance with the limits that apply.
    • Manage queueing and utilise markers, rope areas, barriers, and signage for social
       distancing compliance.

Ref: COVIDSafe SOP – Front of House Event Support

TICKETING
Eventbrite
Guidelines state that seated performance events are to be ticketed. This is to be done using the
online platform Eventbrite. Venues are not required to have allocated seating.
General admission is allowed however any group of patrons sitting together in an auditorium
are not to exceed 10 people.
As much as is practicable patrons should be guided to maintain 1.5m separation.
Allocated seating can have operational advantages and may be adopted for current
circumstances for effective management of patrons and additional COVIDSafe assurances.
    • Use contactless ticketing.
    • Provide warnings, advice, terms and conditions.
    • Provide patrons with essential venue information including updated health and hygiene
       controls and conditions of venue entry at point of ticket purchase.
    • Exchanges & Refunds: Update policies so unwell patrons do not attend.

FOOD & BEVERAGE
     •    Review and comply with Hospitality Industry Guidelines
     •    Review COVID Safe plans for any 3rd Party contractor/ suppliers/ operators

Ref: COVIDSafe SOP - Catered Meetings or Functions

                                                                                                                     Page 8 of 10
Faculty of Fine Arts & Music       COVID Safe (Sub) Plan Indoor Events & Performance                                  Version: 1.8
Date prepared: 24 June 2021         Authorised by: Faculty Executive Director                            Review Date: 8 July 2021
                                       © The University of Melbourne | Faculty of Fine Arts and Music – Uncontrolled when printed
BACK OF HOUSE
Risk Control
BOH staff should be familiar with their Standard Operating Procedures and briefed about this
COVIDSafe sub plan for performance events as well as informed of any additional control
measures in place due to any unique risks related to the specific production as may be noted in
the UoM COVIDSafe Checklist for the event.
    • Ensure 1.5m physical distancing is applied wherever practicable i.e. reduce face-to-face
      meetings, stagger shift times, for technical performance operating positions use physical
      barriers, floor markers, signage etc.
    • Where 1.5 m physical distancing is not practicable reduce time duration of proximity
      between technicians, performers etc. and ensure correct PPE and hygiene protocols are
      followed i.e. masks, gloves, protective clothing, ventilation, sanitisation as required.

INCIDENTS
Unwell Participant
Emergency
If a person is having serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, a call to 000 is to be made.
Isolation
If any participant becomes unwell during the activity and cannot leave immediately (i.e. waiting
for transport or emergency care) practicable steps to keep them isolated from others should be
taken.
Transport
Unwell person ensured transport home, to location to isolate, or to medical facility if necessary.
Wherever possible, if a person is unwell or travelling to a location for mandatory
isolation, they should use a personal mode of transport to minimise exposure to others. They
should not use public transport taxis or ride shares unless there is no other option.

COVID-19 Reporting
Positive Case or Close Contact of COVID-19
If a positive case of COVID-19 or a close contact (primary or secondary) attended the event,
immediately notify public-health-network@unimelb.edu.au
Be prepared to assist with contract tracing.
Suspect COVID-19
If any student, staff member or activity participant suspects that they may have COVID-19 and
are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss or change of
sense of smell/taste or generally unwell, they must not come to campus or go home if they are
already on campus. seek medical advice and testing.

Follow advice from the Victorian Department of Health (DH),
call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398 and seek medical advice from The University Health
Services or their GP to arrange a COVID-19 Test.

Ref: FAM COVID-19 Case Management Procedure

                                                                                                                   Page 9 of 10
Faculty of Fine Arts & Music     COVID Safe (Sub) Plan Indoor Events & Performance                                  Version: 1.8
Date prepared: 24 June 2021       Authorised by: Faculty Executive Director                            Review Date: 8 July 2021
                                     © The University of Melbourne | Faculty of Fine Arts and Music – Uncontrolled when printed
RECORD KEEPING/CONTACT TRACING
Accurate record keeping of attendance is important in the context of a potential requirement for
efficient COVID-19 outbreak contact tracing.

QR Codes
All venues are required to keep records of every person for each time they enter a venue via
scanning the Victorian Government QR Code Service, via a smartphone camera or QR code
scanner app.

Be prepared to help patrons who may be unfamiliar with QR code technology. If patron needs
help, remember to remain COVIDSafe.

If you can’t register someone’s attendance via QR code, have another service available for
people to use (like an iPad). Providing a pen and paper for manual recording keeping is okay if
electronic record keeping is temporarily unavailable – for example, an internet outage.
Include their contact’s name, phone number, time and date of visit.

    Remember check-in each time at any building you enter on campus using QR code displayed.

                                                                                                                 Page 10 of 10
Faculty of Fine Arts & Music    COVID Safe (Sub) Plan Indoor Events & Performance                                  Version: 1.8
Date prepared: 24 June 2021      Authorised by: Faculty Executive Director                            Review Date: 8 July 2021
                                    © The University of Melbourne | Faculty of Fine Arts and Music – Uncontrolled when printed
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