The Independence Squares board will be monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely. The guidelines below are subject to change based on case numbers. Please read future announcements sent via email and check back here for updates.
If you would like to research more information about COVID-19 trends here are two sites (of many) which may prove helpful.
– PA Dept. of Health: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Cases.aspx
– New York Times COVID Dashboard: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/covid-cases.html?name=styln-coronavirus®ion=TOP_BANNER&block=storyline_menu_recirc&action=click&pgtype=LegacyCollection&variant=0_Control&is_new=false
Independence Squares is committed to the safety of all attendees at our events. As a result, the Board of Directors and the venue have put the following safety protocols in place:
- Up-to-date vaccination is required of all attendees. All dancers be fully vaccinated (at least two weeks past your second Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, or at least one week past your J&J vaccination) and have received a booster shot, when eligible, to attend any of our in-person events. All attendees will be required to show their vaccination status the first time they dance in 2022 or beyond.
When an attendee becomes eligible to receive a booster, they have a grace period of 15 days to get their booster while continuing to dance. Adults (16+) are currently eligible to receive a booster 5 months following a 2nd Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, and 2 months after a J&J vaccination. These waiting periods will be modified based on changes in FDA and CDC guidelines, including recommendations for the second and subsequent boosters.
Example: Alex received their 2nd Pfizer vaccination on September 4, 2021. They are eligible to receive their booster on February 4, 2022. They may continue to dance through February 19. They must show evidence of receiving their booster to attend any events starting on February 20, 2022. - A copy of your vaccination card will not be kept by the club. You can present the original vaccination card or a photo of same, even on your phone. A photo ID will also be required at your first attendance.
- A properly worn mask, defined as covering both your nose and mouth, is required at all times while in the building (N95 or KN95 masks are preferred). (Note that the callers will not be required to wear masks while calling but will maintain a distance of at least 6’ from the dancers while calling and will be masked when not calling). Other types of face coverings are not permitted as the sole face covering. The mask can be raised or lowered briefly for consumption of beverages or snacks.
- Individually wrapped snacks may be brought to share with other attendees.
- A club provided “Waiver and Release Of Liability” must be signed in the presence of a club officer or designee upon attending your first post shutdown Independence Squares event. The form can be downloaded and can be printed in advance and brought to the event. The form is to be signed in the presence of a club officer or designee. Copies will be available at the event.
The Board of Directors of Independence Squares will continue to monitor the pandemic situation and our safety protocols and will make certain to communicate any changes to the membership.
We are so excited to finally get back on the dance floor and to see all of you again! For further questions, please contact independencesquares@hotmail.com.