PSO COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Keeping you safe at concerts

Last Updated: March 29, 2022 at 1:55 PM

Your Portland Symphony Orchestra’s first priority continues to be the health and safety of our patrons, musicians, staff, and the greater community.

Due to the rise of the extremely contagious COVID-19 Omicron variant across the state and nation, we are announcing new safety protocols for PSO 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 June 24, 2022, when we will reassess our safety protocols. Any changes to the current measures will be announced on or around that time.

ALL PSO AUDIENCE MEMBERS, STAFF, AND VOLUNTEERS ATTENDING CONCERTS ARE REQUIRED TO ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PROTOCOLS.

VACCINATIONs AND BOOSTERs

Provide proof that they are fully vaccinated AND BOOSTED (if eligible and they received their last dose SIX MONTHS OR MORE from the date of the concert) 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 booster must have been administered on or before the date of the concert.

IMPORTANT: If a patron is eligible for a booster and the last dose of their primary COVID-19 vaccination series occurred six months or more before the date of the concert, they WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE BOOSTED and provide proof of booster OR provide proof of negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test administered by an authorized third-party provider to gain entry to the concert. The booster must have been administered on or before the date of the concert.
If a patron is not yet eligible for a booster, the last dose of the vaccine must have been administered at least 14 days prior to the concert. This also applies to children aged 5-11.
Acceptable proof of vaccination includes physical vaccination cards, printed copy of vaccine card, digital copies (including clear photos) of vaccine cards, or health records.

For the full list of people currently eligible to receive a booster please visit the CDC website.

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 important information about vaccine requirements, including valid forms of verification and ID, scroll down to our safety protocols FAQ on this page.

Negative COVID-19 Test

In lieu of proof of vaccination and/or vaccine booster, please provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test administered by an authorized provider or taken via an at-home test within 72 hours of the performance start time or a negative COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test administered by an authorized provider or taken via an at-home test within 12 hours of the performance start time. This includes children ages 2 through 11 who are not yet fully vaccinated or not yet eligible to be vaccinated. Babies under 2 are not required to be tested, however, due to the highly contagious nature of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, we strongly advise AGAINST bringing babies under 2 into Merrill Auditorium.

Per the City of Portland, AT-HOME TESTS (both PCR and RAPID ANTIGEN tests) ARE NOW ACCEPTED as proof of negative COVID-19 test.

To ensure the at-home test was taken within the required timeframe (72 hours for PCR and 12 hours for Rapid Antigen), patrons must take a photo that includes:

The test-taker holding the negative results. The test-taker’s face must be clearly visible.
A date/time stamp visible in the photo (suggested time stamps include holding an additional mobile phone up that shows date and time, or enabling timestamps on your photos on your mobile phone).
Patrons can also use a service like EMED to verify the test online. For more information please click here: https://emed.com/

For health and safety reasons, please do NOT bring in the actual test.

POOLED TESTING is NOT ACCEPTED under any circumstances. For important information about negative COVID-19 test requirements visit: https://portlandsymphony.org/covid-19/

For a list of current COVID-19 authorized third-party providers please visit: https://www.maine.gov/covid19/testing

For important information about negative COVID-19 test requirements, scroll down to our safety protocols FAQ on this page.

Your PSO will be providing on-site rapid antigen COVID-19 testing for patrons unable to provide proof of vaccination/booster or negative COVID-19 test. The on-site testing will be administered by New England Mobile Health Services directly outside Merrill Auditorium on Myrtle Street. Please note, the tests will be administered outside the NEMHS trailer and patrons will not be allowed to wait inside the trailer. Patrons taking the COVID-19 test on-site will not be allowed into Merrill Auditorium until their test results are finalized (this takes approximately 15-20 minutes). If you plan on receiving COVID-19 testing on-site, we ask that you allow yourself ample time for the testing, safety, and security screenings and also dress for the elements. Testing availability is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Mask

For adult patrons and children 2 and up, wear a properly fitted surgical, KN95, N95, or KF94 mask at all times while in Merrill Auditorium, unless exempt from wearing a mask due to a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.). Due to lack of protection against the Omicron variant, wearing A CLOTH MASK ALONE IS NO LONGER ACCEPTED as an adequate face covering. Patrons can wear a cloth mask over a surgical mask.

Surgical masks will be made available upon request.

For important information about masking, including prohibited types of masks, scroll down to our safety protocols FAQ on this page.

Additional Safety Information

THESE SAFETY PROTOCOLS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

All vaccination and negative COVID-19 test verifications will happen IN-PERSON at the concert.

Please note, for concerts through June 24, 2022, there will be NO CONCESSIONS SERVED. Per the City of Portland, no outside food or drink is allowed in Merrill Auditorium.

Finally, 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 2021-22 season. They are open Monday through Friday, 11 AM – 3 PM.

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

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

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 effect until June 24, 2022, when we will reassess our safety protocols. Any changes to the current measures will be announced on or around that time.

WHAT ARE PSO’S MASKING POLICIES?

MASKING WITH A PROPERLY FITTED SURGICAL, KN95, KF94, OR N95 MASK WILL BE REQUIRED for all audience members, staff, and volunteers. This includes children ages 2 and up.

Guests must wear a properly fitted surgical, KN95, N95, or KF94 mask at all times while at Merrill Auditorium, unless exempt from wearing a mask due to a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).

Due to lack of protection against the Omicron variant, wearing A CLOTH MASK ALONE IS NO LONGER ACCEPTED as an adequate face covering. Patrons can wear a cloth mask over a surgical mask.

The PSO will provide complimentary surgical masks for any patrons who do not have a surgical, KN95, KF94, or N95 mask.

Audience members must wear a properly fitted mask over their nose and mouth and under their chin. Properly fitted masks fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps.

The following masks are prohibited:

CLOTH MASKS alone. You are allowed to wear a cloth mask over a surgical mask, but will not be permitted entry with a cloth mask alone.

Masks with exhalation valves

Masks made of loosely woven fabrics

Scarves, buffs, bandanas, gaiters

Face shields alone without a mask

Surgical masks will be made available upon request.

WHAT MASKS ARE PROHIBITED?

The following masks are prohibited:

CLOTH MASKS alone. You are allowed to wear a cloth mask over a surgical mask, but will not be permitted entry with a cloth mask alone.

Masks with exhalation valves

Masks made of loosely woven fabrics

Scarves, buffs, bandanas, gaiters

Face shields alone without a mask

Surgical masks will be made available upon request.

Audience members must wear a properly fitted mask over their nose and mouth and under their chin. Properly fitted masks fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps.

WHAT ARE PSO’S PROOF OF VACCINATION POLICIES?

All audience members, staff, and volunteers (excluding babies under 2) are required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated AND BOOSTED (if eligible and they received their last dose of their primary COVID-19 vaccination series SIX MONTHS OR MORE from the date of the concert) 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 booster must have been administered on or before the date of the concert.

All vaccination and negative COVID-19 test verifications will happen IN-PERSON at the concert.

IMPORTANT: If a patron is eligible for a booster and the last dose of their primary COVID-19 vaccination series occurred SIX MONTHS OR MORE before the date of the concert, they WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE BOOSTED and provide proof of booster OR provide proof of negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test administered by an authorized third-party provider to gain entry to the concert. The booster must have been administered on or before the date of the concert.

If a patron is not yet eligible for a booster, the last dose of the vaccine must have been administered at least 14 days prior to the concert. This also applies to children aged 5-11.

For the full list of people are currently eligible to receive a booster please visit the CDC here.

Acceptable proof of vaccination includes physical vaccination cards, printed copy of vaccine card, digital copies (including clear photos) of vaccine cards, or health records.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO VERIFY MY VACCINATION AND/OR BOOSTER STATUS?

All audience members (excluding babies under 2) must provide proof of vaccination/booster (or negative COVID-19 test) as well as photo ID (photo ID is not required for children under 12). Underage attendees who do not have a photo ID must have a parent or guardian present to vouch for their identity.

Types of vaccination/booster verification allowed:

Physical vaccination card

Digital vaccination record that can be printed or shown on your mobile device on-site

A clear and legible photo or scan of physical vaccination card that can be printed or shown on your mobile device on-site

Acceptable forms of Photo ID (all must be the physical card – photocopies are NOT accepted. Children under 12 are EXEMPT from showing photo ID, but must have a parent or guardian present to vouch for their identity):

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 PSO’S PROOF OF NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST POLICIES?

People unable to get the vaccine (such as, but not limited to, children 2-5, people with a medical condition, or closely held religious belief, etc.) may provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or Rapid Antigen test either administered by an authorized third-party provider or taken via an at-home test for entry.

Babies under 2 are not required to show proof of negative COVID-19 test, but due to the highly contagious nature of the Omicron variant, we strongly advise against bringing babies under 2 to our concerts.

Please note, POOLED TESTING is NOT ACCEPTED.

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

Negative COVID-19 PCR test administered by an authorized third-party vendor from within 72 hours of the performance start time.

Negative COVID-19 rapid (antigen) test administered by an authorized third-party vendor from within 12 hours of the performance start time.

Per the City of Portland, AT-HOME TESTS (both PCR and RAPID ANTIGEN tests) ARE NOW ACCEPTED as proof of negative COVID-19 test.

To ensure the at-home test was taken within the required timeframe (72 hours for PCR and 12 hours for Rapid Antigen), patrons must take a photo that includes:

The test-taker holding the negative results. The test-taker’s face must be clearly visible.

A date/time stamp visible in the photo (suggested time stamps include holding an additional mobile phone up that shows date and time, or enabling timestamps on your photos on your mobile phone).

Patrons can also use a service like EMED to verify the test online. For more information please click here: https://emed.com/

For health and safety reasons, please do NOT bring in the actual test.

POOLED TESTING is NOT ACCEPTED for any age group.

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

Your PSO will be providing on-site rapid antigen COVID-19 testing for patrons unable to provide proof of vaccination/booster or negative COVID-19 test prior to concerts.

The on-site testing will be administered by New England Mobile Health Services directly outside Merrill Auditorium on Myrtle Street. Please note, the tests will be administered outside the NEMHS trailer and patrons will not be allowed to wait inside the trailer. Patrons taking the COVID-19 test on-site will not be allowed into Merrill Auditorium until their test results are finalized (this takes approximately 15-20 minutes). If you plan on receiving COVID-19 testing on-site, we ask that you allow yourself ample time for the testing, safety, and security screenings and also dress for the elements.

WHAT ARE THE ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PHOTO ID?

Acceptable forms of Photo ID (all must be the physical card – photocopies are NOT accepted. Children under 12 are EXEMPT from showing photo ID, but must have a parent or guardian present to vouch for their identity):

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

I’M BRINGING MY INFANT OR BABY. ARE THEY REQUIRED TO SHOW NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST AND MASK?

Babies under 2 do not need to show proof of negative COVID-19 test and do not need to remain masked. However, due to the highly contagious nature of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, we strongly advise against bringing babies under 2 into Merrill Auditorium.

AT-HOME TESTS and POOLED TESTING are NOT ACCEPTED for any age group.

All children 2 and up are REQUIRED wear a properly fitted surgical, KN95, N95, or KF94 mask at all times while in Merrill Auditorium.

I BOUGHT A SUBSCRIPTION OR TICKET AND AM UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH THESE NEW SAFETY PROTOCOLS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

For any audience members or subscribers unable to comply with these safety protocols, we are offering free exchanges into other PSO concerts in the 2021-22 season. Please call PortTIX at 207.842.0800 to discuss your ticketing options. They are open Monday through Friday, 11 AM – 3 PM.

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 2021-22 season. They are open Monday through Friday, 11 AM – 3 PM.

WILL CONCESSIONS BE SERVED?

Please note, for concerts through June 24, 2022, there will be no concessions served. 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 FOR EXTRA TIME FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY SCREENINGS?

All vaccination/negative COVID-19 test verifications will happen in person (no pre-check allowed) directly outside of Merrill Auditorium.

The City of Portland will also be doing bag checks and having 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 safety and 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-down 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 are 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.