PSO COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Keeping you safe at concerts AT MERRILL AUDITORIUM

Last Updated: September 14, 2022 at 8:00 AM.

Your Portland Symphony Orchestra’s first priority continues to be the health and safety of our patrons, musicians, staff, and the greater community. We are constantly assessing our concert safety protocols to ensure we can bring music to you safely this season and beyond.

Unless otherwise directed by city, state, or federal health officials, the following policies will be in effect until further notice for concerts at MERRILL AUDITORIUM.

MasKING

For adult patrons and children 2 and up, MASKING IS RECOMMENDED (but NOT REQUIRED) at all times while in Merrill Auditorium, unless actively eating or drinking and/or exempt from wearing a mask due to a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).

Surgical masks will be made available upon request.

At this time, we will NOT be requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test to attend concerts at Merrill Auditorium.

CONCESSIONS

Currently, CONCESSIONS WILL BE SERVED at PSO concerts. Per the City of Portland, no outside food or drink is allowed in Merrill Auditorium.

SECURITY CHECKS

The City of Portland requires security screenings of all patrons entering Merrill Auditorium. City of Portland staff will do bag checks and have patrons walk through metal detectors directly inside Merrill Auditorium. Please leave large bags at home. Knives of any size are NOT allowed in Merrill Auditorium and WILL be confiscated.

Please ARRIVE EARLY and allow extra time to get through the security screenings. We appreciate your patience.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE FEELING UNWELL

We ask patrons to stay home if they are feeling unwell and contact PortTIX at 207.842.0800 for a complimentary exchange into another PSO concert in the 2022-23 season. They are open Monday through Friday, 11 AM – 3 PM (hours subject to change).

Additional Safety Information

For any audience members or subscribers uncomfortable with the current PSO safety protocols, we are offering free exchanges into other PSO concerts in the 2022-23 season. Please call PortTIX at 207.842.0800 to discuss your ticketing options.

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

Thank you for ensuring your PSO can play on!

FAQ

HOW LONG WILL THESE POLICIES BE IN PLACE?

Unless otherwise directed by city, state, or federal health officials, these policies will be in place until further notice.

WHAT ARE PSO’S MASKING POLICIES?

Surgical masks will be made available upon request.

DOES PSO REQUIRE PROOF OF VACCINATION OR NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST TO ATTEND CONCERTS?

Currently, your PSO does NOT require proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test to attend concerts at Merrill Auditorium.

WILL THERE BE ON-SITE COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE?

Since your PSO is not requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test to attend concerts at Merrill Auditorium, we will no longer be offering complimentary on-site COVID-19 testing.

ARE MASKS RECOMMENDED FOR INFANTS AND BABIES UNDER 2?

Per the CDC, your PSO does NOT recommend masking babies and infants under 2.

I BOUGHT A SUBSCRIPTION OR TICKET AND ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE CURRENT COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FEEL UNWELL THE DAY OF THE CONCERT?

We ask patrons to stay home if they are feeling unwell.

Please contact PortTIX at 207.842.0800 for a complimentary exchange into another PSO concert in the 2022-23 season. They are open Monday through Friday, 11 AM – 3 PM.

WILL CONCESSIONS BE SERVED?

Currently, CONCESSIONS WILL BE SERVED at PSO concerts. Per the City of Portland, no outside food or drink is allowed in Merrill Auditorium.

AM I ABLE TO BRING IN OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGE?

Per the City of Portland, no outside food or beverages (including water) are allowed in Merrill Auditorium.

SHOULD I ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR SECURITY SCREENINGS?

The City of Portland requires security screenings of all patrons entering Merrill Auditorium. City of Portland staff will do bag checks and have patrons walk through metal detectors directly inside Merrill Auditorium. Please leave large bags at home.

Knives of any size are NOT allowed in Merrill Auditorium and WILL be confiscated.

Please ARRIVE EARLY and allow extra time to get through the security screenings. We appreciate your patience.

WHAT ARE MERRILL AUDITORIUM'S CLEANING AND SANITATION PROTOCOLS?

Merrill Auditorium cleaning and sanitation protocols follow all Federal CDC Guidelines.

Enhanced daily cleaning procedures include frequent wipe-downs of common areas and high-touch surfaces such as railings, door handles, countertops, restroom fixtures, and the elevator.
All lobbies, restrooms, seating areas, and backstage rooms will be cleaned prior to, in between, and following each performance or event.
Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the theater.

Read all Merrill Auditorium Health & Safety Protocols here.