Our COVID-19 safety procedures

This COVID-19 Safety Procedures document is intended for artists and staff who are using the PWM offices, kitchen, and studio space.

• Individuals should frequently wash their hands especially if touching objects like props, equipment, etc. Here are instructions from the CDC on how to wash hands.
• Follow the hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and physical distancing rules that are posted throughout the space (e.g., kitchen, washroom, entrance, studio, office space etc.).

Playwrights’ Workshop Montréal (PWM) validates with all individuals coming into the creative space their state of health and that they have no COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals will fill out a form OR sign-in sheet verifying this information before each workday. This is done digitally or on paper. This information is confidential.

Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms is informed of their obligation to leave the office or creative space until they are able to return in accordance with established health standards. Individuals who receive a positive COVID-19 result or have been in close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 must notify PWM and then follow the instructions received from the Public Health Agency.

• Scripts and other printouts are not shared amongst individuals. One copy for each individual is printed out, or is e-mailed to the individual to print out or read on iPad, tablet or e-reader. 
• When possible, the number of people in the studio or office space should be reduced to allow the minimum distance of 2 metres between people to be respected. PWM has digital tools that can facilitate a hybrid in-person/virtual meeting or collaboration. You can find out more by getting in touch with PWM staff. 
• As the studio has a square footage of 929 sq. ft. ideally a maximum of 8-12 people should be in the studio at any given time, depending on the configuration of the tables, and whether there is movement required.
• Limit as much as possible the amount of props, objects and set pieces used in the studio.
• Any equipment (microphones, headsets, technical equipment), props, instruments and set pieces that will be used in the studio are cleaned and disinfected before and after use.
• When using the photocopier, make sure to sanitize your hands before and after use.
• The books located on the bookshelves should not be used unless absolutely necessary. As books cannot be properly sanitized, if a book IS used, it should be placed in a plastic bag with the date on it, and then placed in a closed bin for 72 hours, and then returned to the bookshelf. 
• When weather permits, windows should be kept open. The air purifier can be kept on.
• When it is not possible to keep windows open, an air purifier will be used. The air purifier should be turned on immediately upon entry to the space, and turned off when the last person leaves the space. It is important to note that the air purifier should be used in conjunction with all other safety protocols (masks, sanitization, distancing etc.) and not INSTEAD of.

• Sanitize your hands at the sign-in table. Hand sanitizer is available on the table.
• Change your mask (optional): Medical masks are available on the sign-in table. 
• Complete the sign-in sheet.

The SST does not usually apply to PWM as PWM does not qualify for it. For more information on Small Stable Teams, please follow the most updated guidelines on the CNESST.

As of January 2022, there are new guidelines for masks and the definition of quality masks. Please see the CNESST for more information by clicking here.

At PWM, we stock and offer ASTM Level 3 masks.

For more information about masks, please follow the Canadian Government Guidelines: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/about-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html

• Masks must be worn at all times, for live-streaming/filming, for staff working at their stations and/or in the studio and during breaks.   (See Appendix B for instructions on how to properly put on a mask) 
• Masks are worn for a maximum of 4 hours. If a workday consists of 8 hours, individuals must have 2 masks to use for the day. 
• When 2 or more individuals are working in the office or in the studio, wherever possible, the physical distance of 2 meters is maintained from the start to the end of the work period and during breaks and meals. When seated 2 metres or more apart, masks can be removed during meals. Masks must be worn when individuals get up from the table, are doing any movement work, going into the office space, into the kitchen or going to the washroom. Masks are always worn upon entering the studio, leaving the shared office space, when interacting with another staff member, etc.

• Individuals can use the kitchen in order to make coffee, and must follow the above-mentioned guidelines when doing so. Items that are used frequently and could be possibly shared amongst staff, must be cleaned before and after each use (e.g. tables, chair backs, pens, photocopier etc.). 
• As face masks cannot be worn during eating, a minimum of 2 meters must be respected between people in order to ensure physical distancing can be maintained.  A minimum of 2 meters apart must be respected between people when eating  as well as while waiting for food to be prepared (ex: when using microwave). 
• Wash your hands before handling or touching anything in the kitchen.  Clean/disinfect any surface areas where you will be eating and/or preparing food. Wash your hands before and after you eat and/or drink. Please dry and put away any dishes that you use. 
• Do not leave uncovered food in the fridge.

• Individuals should wash/disinfect their hands before taking the washroom key from the hook in the office. Upon return from the washroom, individuals disinfect the key, place it back on the hook and then disinfect their hands. 
• Individuals should disinfect their hands before and after use of the washroom.

• When it is not possible to keep windows open, an air purifier will be used. The air purifier should be turned on immediately upon entry to the studio, and turned off when the last person leaves the studio. It is important to note that the air purifier should be used in conjunction with all other safety protocols (masks, sanitization, distancing etc.) and not INSTEAD of. 
• When weather permits, windows should be kept open. The air purifier can be kept on.

• Make sure all surfaces are cleaned before you leave.
• Individuals who receive a positive COVID-19 result or have been in close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 must notify PWM and then follow the instructions received from the Public Health Agency.

For more information on publicly attending readings or events, please follow the most up-to-date guidelines outlined by the CNESST.

WEBSITES

Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail 

CNESST Guideline for Arts and Culture – last update January 25, 2022

Public Health Agency of Canada

Tableau récapitulatif des ouvertures ou des suspensions des activités en période de COVID-19

Quebec Santé website on workplace (fr) and in english.

Quebec Santé website on when to self-isolate (eng)Quebec Santé website on basic sanity and health instructions to limit the spread of COVID-19 (eng)

INFO-LINE

Contact the Coronavirus Info-Line 1-877-644-4545 and follow the instructions. 

For any questions pertaining to the specifics of activities in arts and culture, you can email the staff of the MCCQ (Ministère de la Culture et Communications):  comitescovid19@mcc.gouv.qc.ca

EMAIL CONTACT FOR PWM STAFF:

For any questions pertaining to the specifics of activities in arts and culture, you can email the staff of the MCCQ (Ministère de la Culture et Communications):  comitescovid19@mcc.gouv.qc.ca

APPENDIX A – IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH COVID-19

Immediately contact the Managing Director (for staff), or Lead Dramaturg or Staff Member (for visiting artists).

Consult along with PWM staff the latest guidelines and instructions from the Government of Quebec. As of September 2021, Instructions for people who have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 can be found here.

You tested positive

You can end your period of isolation 14 days after the onset of your symptoms and:

• You have had no fever for at least 48 hours without using fever medicine.
• You have had no acute symptoms for at least 24 hours except for cough and loss of smell, which can last longer.
• A second test may be recommended to confirm that you no longer have COVID-19.

You tested negative

A second test may be recommended to confirm that you do not have COVID-19. If a second test is not necessary or is negative, you can end your period of isolation 24 hours after the end of your symptoms and 48 hours without a fever.

APPENDIX B – HOW TO USE A MASK OR A FACE COVERING

	Wash your hands before use of the face covering, also called handcrafted mask.
	With one hand, place the face covering over your nose and mouth. Use your other hand to attach it behind your ears with the elastic or string loops.
	Adjust the face covering to your nose.
	Now adjust it under your chin.
	Wash your hands after use of the face covering.
	Change your face covering if it becomes moist, soiled or damaged.
	Do not leave the face covering hanging from your neck or an ear. Keep it on your face and avoid touching it. If you do touch your face covering while wearing it, wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible.
	Remove your face covering by the elastic or string loops without touching the front.
	Fold the outer parts of the face covering together and place it in a clean bag. You may wash the face covering as soon as you get home, along with the rest of the laundry.

WARNING – FACE COVERING DOES NOT REPLACE THE FOLLOWING:

• Hand washing
• Physical distancing (2 metres)
• Isolation at home if you are sick