It has been a tumultuous few years since COVID-19 has changed how we operate, both as a band and as individuals. As of January 2022, we have formalized how COVID-19 numbers in NYC at any particular point will indicate which types of gigs we are open to performing.
RMO follows four tiers of COVID-19 safety, based on NYC’s total cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days and NYC’s test positivity rate. These tiers draw upon the CDC’s community transmission levels.
As of February 24, 2023, we are in the Yellow Tier.
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Green Tier
- Metrics: Under 10 new cases per 100,000 in the last week; test positivity rate under 3%
- Actions: Outside gigs and rehearsals without masks or bell covers; indoor gigs and other activities may be considered
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Yellow Tier
- Metrics: 10-100 new cases per 100,000 in the last week; test positivity rate between 3% and 5%
- Actions: Marching gigs with winds; gigs and rehearsals are outdoors only; with masks and bell covers optional
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Orange Tier
- Metrics: 100-200 new cases per 100,000 in the last week; test positivity rate between 5% and 10%
- Actions: Stationary and marching outdoor gigs (6ft+ spacing) with winds; surgical, N95/KN95, and/or specially-made wind instrument masks and bell covers mandatory at gigs and rehearsals. Wind instrument players must take a COVID-19 rapid test within 12 hours of a winds gig with a negative result.
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Red Tier
- Metrics: Over 200 new cases per 100,000 in the last week; test positivity rate over 10%
- Actions: Stationary and marching outdoor gigs (6ft+ spacing) with winds; rehearsals are either winds outdoors (with very careful distancing and masking) or on Jitsi; surgical, N95/KN95, and/or specially-made wind instrument masks and bell covers mandatory at gigs and rehearsals. Wind instrument players must take a COVID-19 rapid test within 12 hours of a winds gig with a negative result.
If you would like us to play at your event, please fill out our gig request form.
RMO strongly encourages proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all current and new members. We encourage all members to follow the CDC definition of “up to date” with their COVID-19 vaccines, which currently includes two doses of an mRNA vaccine followed by a third dose after five months, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson followed by a second dose after two months. This may be subject to change with more doses in the future. Vaccination is a form of mutual aid and community care that aligns with our values of supporting and protecting vulnerable communities and keeping each other safe. Also, we anticipate eventually playing indoor gigs again, and NYC requires vaccination for entry into bars, theaters, and other indoor venues in which we might perform.
We are continuing to monitor COVID-19 research closely, and we will let you know when we have any further updates. In the meantime, stay safe and see you in the streets!
