RMS Re-opening Plan

Updated September 4, 2020

Dear Students and Friends,

We are happy to announce that we have resumed our in-person music lessons!

RMS is proud to be able to offer a unique setting in NYC where the student and the teacher can remain at least 8 feet apart and have their own instruments to play on individually. We removed most of our chairs and benches from the sitting area and are cleaning the pianos and all surfaces after every student. Masks required over both nose and mouth, ALWAYS!

Below is our submission plan to the New York State for reopening. You can read everything you need to know about the measures we are taking to ensure the safety of our private in-person lessons:

RMS is a small, private music school: each lesson one – on – one with one staff member and one client, spaced 8’+ distance in the larger rooms. No group classes at this time. All lessons are by appointment only, and generally on a weekly consistent basis.

REOPENING PLANS

• CAPACITY: RMS will limit the number of people within our space. Instead of using 7 rooms for appointments, we will use the 3 larger rooms. Parents, caregivers, friends and family will be asked to wait outside when possible. 50+% of our clients will continue their learning online. In our space, clients and staff will maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet between each other. Anyone (clients and staff) inside will be required to wear a mask, which we will provide if needed.

• PPE: RMS will require masks, worn properly, covering nose and mouth for all staff, clients, or anyone coming into our space. We will have masks available for anyone who needs one. We will have several sanitizing stations in different rooms. Pianos and often touched surfaces will be cleaned hourly, if not more often. We will have a thermometer to check client temperatures before entering.

• TESTING: Staff and clients all required to abide by New York State requirements for 2 week mandatory quarantine from projected states/countries. Testing required only if symptoms arise or confirmed contact with a positive case, for any staff or client. RMS will provide time off, if needed, for staff to be tested. Results of testing must be shared in writing with RMS.

• OPERATIONAL ACTIVITY: March – August 2020 we operated only virtually. We will continue this option for any clients or staff who feel more comfortable. We expect only 25-35% of in-person clients. All appointments are one – on – one with one staff member and one client, spaced 6’+ apart in the larger rooms. No group classes.  All visits are appointment only, made in advance with administration.

• RESTART OPERATIONS:  Sanitizing stations in every room with sanitizer and wipes. Masks required. Open windows in every room when possible/weather permits. Hourly or more often cleaning of common surfaces and tools, during business hours.
• VULNERABLE POPULATIONS: No staff or client is required to return to our physical location. We will continue to offer virtual education systems in addition to in – person lessons.

• HYGIENE, CLEANING AND DISINFECTION: Sanitizing stations in every room with sanitizer and wipes. Masks required. Open windows in every room when possible/weather permits. Hourly or more often cleaning of common surfaces and musical instruments, during business hours.
• TESTING RESPONSIBILITY: RMS will encourage regular general health check ups and testing even with no symptoms or exposure. RMS can provide time off for staff needing to be tested.

• TESTING FREQUENCY AND PROTOCOLS: Staff and clients all required to abide by New York State requirements for 2 week mandatory quarantine from projected states and countries. Testing required only if symptoms arise or confirmed contact with a positive case, for any staff or client. RMS will provide time off, if needed, for staff to be tested. Results of testing must be shared in writing with RMS.

• EARLY WARNING SIGNS: RMS will follow any required procedures and protocols set by Federal, New York City or New York State if there is a need to close again. Additionally, RMS will follow the percentage of positive cases in our area and will willingly close all in-person operations even if not required yet. Over 10% positive rate will be our threshold.  We are prepared and ready to switch to all virtual learning at any time.

• TRACING: RMS staff agrees to comply with all requirements of the New York State Contract Tracing Program. Clients encouraged.

• • • SCREENING: RMS will encourage regular general health check ups and testing even with no symptoms or exposure.

• ISOLATION: RMS has no residential area. If a 2 week quarantine is ever required, staff or client will do this in their own personal home.

• • • QUARANTINE: RMS has no residential area. If a 2 week quarantine is ever required, staff or client will do this in their own personal home.

• STUDENTS CONFIRMED OR SUSPECTED TO HAVE COVID-19:  RMS has no residential area. If a 2 week quarantine is ever required, staff or client will do this in their own personal home.

• HYGIENE, CLEANING AND DISINFECTION: If any staff or client is a confirmed case, RMS will hire a professional company for deep cleaning, and will close for 2 days, offering virtual learning on those days.

• COMMUNICATION: RMS has email and phone number of all active clients and staff. RMS will share safety protocols and planning, as well as if there is any confirmed case, to anyone who would like to know.

• OPERATIONAL ACTIVITY: RMS is prepared to switch to virtual learning fully, or at a higher percentage at any time, to close or minimize in – person attendance.