FOKO COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ COVID-19 Safety Protocols

March 20, 2022
COVID UPDATE:  March Bach Birthday Bash

Please note the updated COVID-19 safety protocols from our venue:

Following the latest CDC guidelines, the City of Portland has lifted the masking mandate at our venues. Masking is still recommended for those who may be at high risk. For those who wish to continue to wear a mask during visits to City venues, we welcome them to continue to do so freely.

At all publicly attended events (open to the general public or ticketed) all attendees age 5 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination against Covid-19 or provide printed proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test from an authorized provider within 72 hours prior to the event start time or a negative rapid test within 12 hours prior to the event start time. A photo ID will also be required.

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Last Updated: September 20, 2021 3:30pm

Our first priority is the health and safety of our patrons, musicians, staff, and the greater community.

Due to the rise of the highly contagious and virulent Delta variant across the state and nation, we are announcing new safety protocols for Kotzschmar Organ concerts. These measures will ensure we can bring music to you safely this season and beyond.

Unless otherwise directed by city, state, or federal health officials, these policies will be in effect until at least December 1, 2021, when we will reassess our safety protocols. Any changes to the current measures will be announced on or around that time.

Effective immediately, all Kotzschmar Organ audience members, staff, and volunteers attending concerts will be required to:

  • Provide proof that they are fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization or the Food and Drug Administration OR provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry. The last dose of the vaccine must have been administered at least 14 days prior to the concert.  For important information about vaccine requirements, including valid forms of verification and ID, scroll down to our safety protocols FAQ on this page.
  • In lieu of proof of vaccination, provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted within 48 hours of the performance start time or a negative COVID-19 rapid (antigen) test performed within 12 hours of the performance start time. This includes children under 12 who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated. For important information about negative COVID-19 test requirements scroll down to our safety protocols FAQ on this page.
  • Wear a mask at all times while in Merrill Auditorium, unless they are actively eating and drinking or are otherwise exempt from wearing a mask due to a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.). For important information about masking, including prohibited types of masks, scroll down to our safety protocols FAQ on this page.

For information on how to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, visit https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/vaccination-sites or call 1-888-445-4111.

For more information on the COVID-19 pandemic in Maine, please visit the Maine CDC site here, call 211, or email info@null211maine.org.

For any audience members unable to comply with these safety protocols, we are offering free exchanges into other Kotzschmar Organ concerts in the 2021-22 season. Please call PortTIX at 207.842.0800 to discuss your ticketing options.

Thank you for ensuring we can keep making beautiful music!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

HOW LONG WILL THESE POLICIES BE IN PLACE?

Unless otherwise directed by city, state, or federal health officials, these policies will be in effect until at least December 1, 2021, when we will reassess our safety protocols. Any changes to the current measures will be announced on or around that time.

At this time, these policies will be in effect for the following concert; we will re-evaluate future concerts on or before December 1, 2021:

  • Phantom of the Opera with James Kennerley, Saturday, October 30, 2021

WHAT ARE KOTZSCHMAR ORGAN’S MASKING POLICIES?

MASKING WILL BE REQUIRED for all audience members, staff, and volunteers.

Guests must wear a mask at all times while at Merrill Auditorium, unless they are actively eating and drinking or are otherwise exempt from wearing a mask due to a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).

Audience members must wear a mask over their nose and mouth and under their chin.

The following masks are prohibited:

  • Masks with exhalation valves
  • Masks made of loosely woven fabrics
  • Scarves, buffs, bandanas, gaiters
  • Face shields alone without a mask

Masks will be made available upon request.

WHAT MASKS ARE PROHIBITED?

The following masks are prohibited:

  • Masks with exhalation valves
  • Masks made of loosely woven fabrics
  • Scarves, buffs, bandanas, gaiters
  • Face shields alone without a mask

Masks will be made available upon request.

Audience members must wear a mask over their nose and mouth and under their chin.

WHAT ARE KOTZSCHMAR ORGAN’S PROOF OF VACCINATION POLICIES?

PROOF OF VACCINATION OR PROOF OF NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST will be required for all audience members, staff, and volunteers:

The vaccine must be an FDA or WHO approved vaccination.

The final dose of the vaccine must have been administered at least 14 days prior to entry.

All vaccination and negative COVID-19 test verifications will happen IN-PERSON prior to entering Merrill Auditorium.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO VERIFY MY VACCINATION STATUS?

All audience members must provide proof of vaccination (or negative COVID-19 test) as well as photo ID (photo ID is not required for children under 12).

Types of vaccination verification allowed:

  • Physical vaccination card
  • Digital vaccination record
  • Photo or scan of physical vaccination card

Acceptable forms of Photo ID (all must be the physical card – photocopies are NOT accepted. Children under 12 are EXEMPT from showing photo ID):

  • Driver’s licenses, or state ID cards for non-drivers, issued by a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Formal ID cards WITH photo (armed forces, police, student union)
  • Student ID card with photo
  • Company ID card with photo
  • Passport or Passport card
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Tribal ID card

WHAT ARE KOTZSCHMAR ORGAN’S PROOF OF NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST POLICIES?

People unable to get the vaccine (such as, but not limited to, children under 12, people with a medical condition, or closely held religious belief, etc.) may provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entry.

Acceptable proof of a negative COVID-19 test includes physical or digital copies of a:

  • Negative COVID-19 PCR test from within 48 hours of the performance start time.
  • Negative COVID-19 rapid (antigen) test administered within 12 hours of the performance start time.

I BOUGHT A TICKET FOR A LIVE PERFORMANCE AND AM UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH THESE NEW SAFETY PROTOCOLS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

For any audience members unable to comply with these safety protocols, we are offering free exchanges into other Kotzschmar Organ concerts (live or digital) in the 2021-22 season. Please call PortTIX at 207.842.0800 to discuss your ticketing options.

 

As of September 20, 2021. All of our health and safety protocols at Merrill Auditorium are subject to change.

Founded in 1981, the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ (FOKO), a non-profit organization, supports the Kotzschmar Organ. The Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ maintains and preserves the organ, in addition to producing and promoting concerts, and managing the Kotzschmar Memorial Trust Scholarship.