HAMILTON, ON – The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra recognizes its duty to create a safe entertainment space for patrons. With the return of live audiences in our 21-22 Season, the HPO has adopted an enhanced health and safety policy in an effort to curb the continuing spread of COVID-19 in accordance with public health policy in the province of Ontario. Effective immediately, this policy applies to all guests and patrons 12 years of age and older attending an HPO live concert at FirstOntario Concert Hall and all community venues. This policy also applies to HPO musicians, staff, volunteers and contractors.

All guests and patrons over the age of 12 who enter HPO physical site(s) are required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined below) and show a valid photo ID. In the case of a valid human rights exemption, a negative PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours prior is required for entrance to an HPO physical site. Self-administered at-home tests will not be accepted and there will be no COVID-19 testing at HPO venues. Children 11 years of age or younger will be exempt from vaccination requirements as there is no approved vaccination available for children under 12 at this time. Children must be accompanied by a vaccinated adult.

To qualify as “Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19”, a minimum of 14 days must have elapsed after having received all required doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine (and any required booster shot(s) or additional vaccinations) as approved by the World Health Organization and/or any public health authority in Canada to constitute full vaccination.

The HPO shall ensure that this Policy is interpreted and applied in accordance with federal, local, and provincial laws and regulations related to COVID-19, as well as with its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

All guests and patrons, regardless of vaccination status, are still required to comply with applicable health and safety measures to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including but not limited to compliance with established workplace access controls (e.g. screening), wearing a mask or face covering, using provided PPE, maintaining appropriate physical distancing and self-monitoring of potential COVID-19 symptoms.

Proof of full vaccination includes documentation issued by the public health authority that administered the vaccine, such as:

In order to reduce contact and maintain physical distance, our Fall 2021 concerts will have no intermission and there will be no concessions. Seating for our Mainstage concerts at FirstOntario Concert Hall will be at slightly less than 25 per cent seating capacity with every other row blocked off and a minimum of three empty seats between households. For all other venues, we will follow the guidance of the current stage of reopening, Step Three of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, which allows up to 50 per cent available seating capacity with distancing.

These health and safety measures have been put in place to protect the safety of all guests and patrons. For more information about HPO’s health and safety protocols, visit staginghpo.wpengine.com/safetyinfo.

 

 

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About the HPO: For over a century, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has presented orchestral music and education programs with a mission to enrich the wellbeing of the greater Hamilton region. Music Director Gemma New and the professional musicians of the HPO present dynamic orchestral performances ranging from standard classical repertoire to popular music and world premieres by living composers. As one of Canada’s leading professional orchestras, the HPO has proudly contributed to the shaping of Hamilton’s cultural landscape and continues to uphold values of high calibre, inclusive and accessible orchestral music and education for all.

 

Media Contacts:

Christina Volpini
Marketing and Communications Manager
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x226
cvolpini@hpo.org

Megan Nourse
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x211
mnourse@hpo.org