The novel coronavirus (COVID19) has made a great impact on the lives of people the world over. While there have been many developments in the fight against the virus, it is clear that it will not be going away any time soon. Therefore, many world governments and health organizations have created guidelines aimed at slowing the spread of the virus.

Choral organizations around the world, including The Japan Choral Association, have also developed guidelines for choirs so that they may practice in a way where the risk of spreading the virus is lowered. While referencing these guidelines, Tokyo Repertory Singers will take the following measures to create as safe an environment for our singers and audiences as we possibly can:

 

With regard to rehearsal observations:​

• Appointments will be required for all visits

• Depending on the state of the pandemic (number of daily cases, etc.), there may be occasions on which requests for visitations will be denied.

• When observing in person:

  • Chairs, keyboards, music stands, and all other relevant items and surfaces to be used/touched will be sanitized

  • Temperature must be taken before and/or upon arrival

    • If body temperature is 37.2°C (99°F) or more on the day of the visit, the observation will be rescheduled.​

  • Visitors may wear masks if they choose to.

  • Physical distance must be kept between people

 

With regard to health monitoring:​

• All choir members will be should keep a personal record of their daily and nightly body temperature as well as a record of their daily physical condition.

  • Choir members with a temperature of 37.5°C (100°F) or more will be asked refrain from reporting to rehearsals and monitor their physical condition for 1 week.

• Choir members​ should report their body temperature and physical condition on the day of rehearsal or performance before entering the venue.

• Choir members who have tested positive for COVID-19 should report this information to a member of the choir’s administration immediately.

 

With regard to rehearsals:

• Only rehearsal spaces proper ventilation that allow for  physical distance between choir members will be used

  • The space will be ventilated periodically throughout the course of the rehearsal

• Chairs, keyboards, music stands, and all other relevant items and surfaces to be used/touched will be sanitized before and after the rehearsal.

• Before entering the rehearsal space, all choir members must:

  • Wash and/or sanitize their hands

  • Singers may wear masks if they choose to do so.​

  • Show their personal health record

    • Members who have lost or forgotten their personal record will have their temperature taken at the door via contactless thermometer

      • Choir members with a temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) or more on the day of rehearsal will not be allowed in the rehearsal space

• Choir members must maintain physical distance between each other

• Writing utensils, sheet music, beverages, food, etc. should not be passed from person to person or shared

• No eating is permitted in the rehearsal space

​

With regard to concerts:​

• In addition to any rules set by venue management, all visitors must:

  • Wash and/or sanitize their hands before entering the venue

  • Visitors may wear masks if they choose to do so.​

  • Have their temperature taken at the door

    • Should a visitor have a temperature of 37.5°C (100°F) or more, they will not be allowed in the venue and asked to return home

      • Should the temperature threshold allowed by the venue be lower, venue rules take precedence​

• In the event of venue closures due to government requests or orders, concerts will either be cancelled or recorded (without an audience) for internet streaming at a later date.

• Should circumstances prevent the reservation of a concert venue, music will be recorded by the ensemble and streamed online

 

While there are many differing views on how to prevent the spread of the virus and some of these measures may inconvenience some people, we thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to find a way to move forward and continue spreading the joy of music to as many people as we possibly can.