COVID-19 Member Policy

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, a non-profit community choral group, is at risk of holding “superspreader” events through rehearsals and performances. It is because of this risk that the Chorus is implementing a policy that requires anyone participating in a CGMC sanctioned event to be vaccinated. This includes Chorus members, contractors, volunteers, the Chorus Board of Directors, and guests attending Chorus rehearsals and other Chorus related events.  

Vaccinations 

1. Anyone participating in a CGMC rehearsal, external performance (run-out gig), vocal placement, event or performance must be fully vaccinated and boosted. This includes one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, which are received approximately one (1) month apart. Everyone ages 18+ should get a booster dose of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) at least 5 months after the last dose in their primary series or at least 2 months after the first dose of J&J/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.
2. Unvaccinated individuals will not be permitted to attend rehearsals, run-out gigs, vocal placements, events, performances or any other Chorus sanctioned event.
3. Proof of vaccination must be supplied to CGMC’s Executive Director before a person will be allowed to attend a Chorus-sponsored event including, but not limited to, rehearsals and performances. Proof includes your vaccination card (physical copy or digital copy on an electronic device) or other vaccination record from your healthcare provider. Your proof of vaccination must be accompanied by a state or government issued photo identification.
4. A private record of your vaccination status will be kept by CGMC and a photocopy of your vaccination proof will be made at the time of presentation. This information will only be accessible to CGMC’s Executive Director and will be private and strictly confidential.
5. Anyone who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons or chooses not to be vaccinated due to religious beliefs may still participate in rehearsals via ZOOM. Each rehearsal will be broadcast via ZOOM. Unvaccinated members are not permitted to physically attend public performances but will work with the Artistic Director to create and broadcast their performance during the live show(s).  CGMC cannot guarantee that it will be able to broadcast the performance of any unvaccinated Chorus member who has been participating in rehearsals via ZOOM as part of a Chorus performance or other such event. 

Waivers 

1. Each contractor, member, volunteer or guest must sign a Waiver of Liability, relevant to the Coronavirus/COVID-19, while participating in CGMC functions.
2. Anyone that refuses to sign the Waiver cannot attend any CGMC rehearsal, run-out gig, vocal placement, event or performance. The member may participate virtually via ZOOM if CGMC is able to effectuate such a ZOOM performance. 

Masks & PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) 

1. Masks must be worn at all times while indoors unless otherwise specified by the Chorus’ Artistic Director or Executive Director. Individuals refusing to wear a mask will not be permitted to attend rehearsals, run-out gigs, vocal placements, events, performances or any other Chorus sanctioned event.
2. Members, staff and volunteers are no longer required to wear a KN95 mask. You may wear your own mask as long as it adheres to the CDC mask recommendations (CLICK HERE for more information). A mask will be provided to you if you do not have one. Please do not wear masks with:
   • Gaps around the sides of the face or nose
   • Exhalation valves, vents, or other openings
   • Single-layer fabric or those made of thin fabric that don’t block light
   • Wet or dirty material
   • Bandannas
3. Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus will continue to monitor guidelines and suggestions from the CDC and state and local governments.
4. Wristbands for social distancing comfortability will be provided to each Chorus member (green, yellow and red).
5. Proper measures will be taken to ensure that rehearsal and performance spaces are well-ventilated.