NSO COVID Protocol for Patrons and Employees
To limit contact between patrons and staff, all programmes will be made available in digital format and will be accessible by smartphone. There will be a limited number of printed programs available in the lobby.
Along with government issued ID, all patrons must be able to show proof of double vaccination upon entry, or a letter of medical exemption issued by a physician along with a negative test within 48 hours of the event.
If you have purchased tickets and are unable to attend because of your vaccination status, please contact the box office for a full refund at
905-688-0722 or [email protected]
We are offering all ticket holders the opportunity to donate any tickets back to the NSO for a charitable donation receipt. Tickets donated to the NSO in this way will be given directly to first responders and front-line workers to show our appreciation for all their hard work over the past year.
The NSO COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan Summary
The complete COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan is available at:
- NSO Office (11 Bond St, Suite 207 St. Catharines, ON L2R 4Z4)
- At each venue
How we’re ensuring people know how to keep themselves safe from exposure:
- Printed mail, for anyone without access to email
- Virtual meetings
- In case of questions or concerns, contact: Gerry Callaghan
How we’re screening for COVID-19
- Orchestra members and volunteers, including anyone who has been vaccinated, shall complete a daily COVID-19 screening using the Worker and employee screening survey at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/screening/worker/ (or another similar method), and email the results to the Executive Director.
- Passive Screening for patrons
- Effective September 22, 2021 anyone entering the premises must show proof of
full vaccination;- Exceptions include:
- anyone under the age of 12 years old
- anyone who can provide a written document supplied by a physician or registered nurse in the extended class, that sets out a documented medical reason for not being fully vaccinated and the effective time-period for the medical reason
How we’re controlling the risk of transmission
Hand and Respiratory Hygiene
- Everyone should follow general hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer, and coughing/sneezing into their elbow.
Physical Distancing
- Make best efforts to maintain physical distancing of two (2) metres during all tasks, including onstage, backstage and front of house during rehearsal and performance
Masks / Face Coverings and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Every person must wear a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose and chin when indoors, unless entitled to an exception as noted in the regulation.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
- The venue is responsible for making sure that washrooms and similar on-site amenities are cleaned and disinfected as frequently as is necessary to maintain a sanitary condition
What we will do if there is a potential case, or suspected exposure to, COVID-19
- Identify a specific area where a person may self-isolate if they begin experiencing symptoms
- The NSO shall contact:
- Public Health, who will provide further instructions and do contract tracing if needed.
- Anyone who may have been exposed in the workplace, including information about the date and time of the potential exposure, but without giving any information that might identify the infectious person.
How we’re making sure our plan is working
- The NSO shall gather feedback from orchestra members, guest artists, volunteers and patrons through regular conversations and safety talks to confirm protocols are working and identify any issues.