REHEARSALS - Please read our COVID Policy on this page

To the VP MUSICIANS:

There have been a number of requests to eliminate the requirement that VP musicians wear mask at all times except when they cannot do so while playing their instruments. The board has discussed the mask policy, and has decided on changes to be implemented starting with the rehearsals for the winter concert. These changes are based on the following:

1. COVID has not gone away. It still kills over 300 people a day, about 80% of whom are older – a characteristic of many of our musicians. It does not appear to be going away soon, and in fact most experts are expecting hospitalizations and deaths to rise during the coming months. On top of that, COVID and other viral diseases are quite capable of sickening enough people to significantly impede an organization’s function.  Schools have been closed for several days because of lack of staff due to illness. It would be a big disappointment to all if the Philharmonic had to cancel a performance(s) due to sickness.
2. Masking is an effective way of mitigating spread. But, it is recognized that some people find mask wearing physically debilitating. This includes people with lower than normal lung function or particularly strong sensitivity to masks.
3. One-way masking - individuals wearing a mask to protect themselves from unmasked others – is effective, but since, as was just noted, not everyone can wear a mask, just leaving everyone to protect themselves doesn’t work.  
4. Rapid (antigen) tests can detect infections some of the time. They are useful for mitigating spread when other measures such as masking cannot be taken, but never to justify not wearing a mask.
5. Singers pose a particularly high risk of spreading viral diseases. For this reason, the Messiah chorus has special requirements that they be masked for rehearsals and have rapid tests (but no masks) for performances.
6. Vaccinations dramatically reduce the likelihood of serious illness, and there is some hope that the most recent booster will keep people from getting and spreading the disease.