Planning To Reopen - Phase 3, Theaters and Performance Venues

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Phase 3 of Governor Charlie Baker's administration's plan to reopen the state of Massachusetts for business is in effect. Strict rules are in place for the third phase of a four-phase economic reopening in Massachusetts. The following outlines the workplace safety standards pertaining to social distancing and hygiene protocol for Theaters and Performance Venues

In Step 1 of Phase 3, only outdoor Theater and Performance Venues and indoor movie theaters may reopen. Drive-in movie theaters may continue to operate under guidance issued for Drive-In Movie Theaters. Other indoor Theater and Performance Venues must remain closed until authorized to open at a later point in time. Large capacity event venues must continue to remain closed until Phase IV. This includes venues used for group or spectator sports, entertainment, business, and cultural events including:

1. Stadiums, arenas, and ballparks
2. Exhibition and convention halls 

As always, work with your local health officials to determine a set of strategies appropriate for your community’s situation.

These standards are minimum requirements only and are not exclusive or exhaustive. The public health data for disease prevention upon which these guidelines are based can and does change frequently, it is the responsibility of each Theater and Performance Venues  Business owner to stay abreast of any updates to these requirements.

(See our "Planning to Reopen series of blogs for more information regarding CDC, EPA, FDA, Mass EEA and OSHA safety requirements). To review the administration's reopening guidance from the state click here. To view Governor Baker's full report click here).

Social Distancing

It is the responsibility of approved theaters and performance venues business owners and staff to monitor customer entries and exits and limit occupancy at all times to the greater of the following:

Indoor movie theaters must monitor customer entries and exits and limit occupancy at all times to:

1. 40% of each individual theater or screening room’s maximum permitted occupancy as documented in its occupancy permit on record with the municipal building department or other municipal record holder, and never more than 25 persons in a single enclosed, indoor space
2. Venues for which no permitted occupancy limitation is on record may allow 8 persons per 1,000 square feet of accessible space, and never more than 25 persons in a single enclosed, indoor space
3. Each outdoor venue must monitor customer entries and exits and limit occupancy at all times to 25% of the venue’s maximum permitted occupancy as documented in its occupancy permit on record with the municipal building department or other municipal record holder, but in no event may the venue admit or host more than 100 persons
4. All occupant counts and calculations for indoor and outdoor venues must include customers, workers, and any other persons present
5. Post clearly visible signage regarding the need to maintain 6 feet of social distancing and not to enter a room until that distancing can be maintained
6. Venues must put markers outside of the building to ensure 6 feet of distance for customers who are waiting outside to enter
7. Venues are encouraged to offer exclusive hours or other accommodations for those in high-risk populations as defined by the CDC
8. Ensure separation of 6 feet or more between individuals where possible:
   1. Close or reconfigure worker common spaces and high density areas where workers are likely to congregate (e.g., break rooms, eating areas, backstage areas) to allow social distancing
   2. Physical partitions must separate workstations that cannot be spaced out (partitions must be at least 6 feet in height)
   3. Install physical barriers for ticket stations where possible, otherwise maintain 6 feet distance where not possible
   4. Install visual social distancing markers to encourage customers to remain 6 feet apart (e.g., lines for equipment if applicable, checkout lines, lines to use the restroom)
9. Establish directional pathways to manage visitor flow for foot traffic, to minimize contact (e.g., one-way entrance and exit to shows, one-way pathways). Post clearly visible signage regarding these policies
10. Reconfigure seating areas to ensure 6 feet distancing between customers not in the same group
    1. Distance shall be measured from the closest boundary of one customer recreation or seating area to the closest boundary of another customer recreation or seating area
    2. This may require blocking every other row of seats and staggered seating within rows
11. Limit group sizes to no more than 10 people for groups attending together
12. Stagger lunch and break times for workers, regulating max number of people in one place and ensuring at least 6 feet of physical distancing
13. Require face coverings for all workers and customers, except where unsafe due to medical condition or disability
14. Contactless payment methods and / or digital ticketing are encouraged
15. Special protocols should be followed for close contact between live performers:
    1. Encourage performers to wear face coverings during performances if possible
    2. Performers should remain at least 6 feet apart. Any activity requiring performers to be closer than 6 feet must be as brief as possible
    3. Activities that require prolonged direct contact (e.g. intimate scenes, fight scenes) are discouraged
    4. Prohibit direct interaction between performers and audience before, during, or after performances (including backstage and post-performance meet and greets)
16. For outdoor live performances, singing and the playing of brass and wind instruments is discouraged. For performances involving singing or brass or wind instruments, special distancing should be followed:
    1. At least 10 feet between performers
    2. At least 25 feet between performers and first row of the audience
17. Encourage the use of electronic versions or no-touch displays in place of commonly touched physical materials (such as menus and playbills) where possible. All commonly touched physical materials must be discarded or sanitized between use
18. Any self-serve racks or containers for these materials should be removed, and instead all materials must be handed out individually by workers

Hygiene Protocols

It is the responsibility of approved theaters and performance venues business owners and staff to monitor customer entries and exits and limit occupancy at all times to the greater of the following:

1. Disinfect shared equipment before use by another worker
2. Ensure access to handwashing facilities on site, including soap and running water, wherever possible and encourage frequent handwashing; alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol may be used as an alternative
3. Supply workers at workplace location with adequate cleaning products (e.g., sanitizer, disinfecting wipes)
4. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol should be made available at entrances, exits and throughout floor areas for workers, performers, and customers
5. Avoid sharing equipment and supplies between workers including performers
6. Post visible signage throughout the site to remind customers and workers of hygiene and safety protocols
7. Prohibit any mutual touching of customer or worker equipment without sanitation between uses
8. Audience members should wear face coverings while seated during the performance unless unsafe due to disability or medical condition

While the administration continues to work with communities to implement best practices and protocols we will continue to share with you guidance from the CDC, FDA, OSHA, Mass EEA and the Governor's office to follow as we prepare for reopening. Also, we at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley know that not every business has access to the resources necessary to meet these strict guidelines. For those businesses, we are here to help!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley are specialists in cleaning services and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work of "normal daily cleaning". Call SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley today for a free consultation - (617) 332-9000.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley want you and your loved ones to stay safe and know that we will make it through this together! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed!