Be a Masked Superhero! Young Audiences of Louisiana Releases New Safety Protocols for In-Person Programming

Updated 10/20/2021

As we start to increase our in-person workshops. Young Audiences of Louisiana (YALA) wants to ensure we do so safely. Due to the spread of Covid-19, and in order to ensure the safety of the families participating in our programs and of our employees, YALA will enforce the following safety protocols for children’s programming and events.

A young superhero masks up to protect New Orleans!

YALA Health and Safety Protocols

•  Face coverings: YALA will uphold a universal masking policy for all individuals aged two and older at any indoor children’s programming. This includes those who are vaccinated, as well.

• Social distancing: YALA will require social distancing for family groups at all indoor and outdoor events. Please maintain space of six feet or more between your family and those who are not part of your family unit

• Outdoor events: In general, YALA will not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings; however, certain outdoor events may have specific policies that require a mask. Even if an event does not require a mask, we recommend that all unvaccinated and vaccinated persons wear masks if they find themselves in a crowded event setting. (Please note: YALA staff will wear a mask at outdoor events when they are in close proximity to others who may be unvaccinated, for example at event check-in.)

• Eating and drinking: Sometimes little ones need to snack. If our event venue permits it, please feel free to provide snacks to your children. However, please minimize your time unmasked and re-mask immediately after eating or drinking.

• Children with medical conditions and sensory processing conditions: We understand that there are children and adults who have special needs or circumstances that make it difficult to follow our mask policy and we want to work with all of our families. If your child has a medical condition or sensory processing issue that prevents them from wearing a mask, please contact omote@ya4la.org.

• Proof of vaccination: YALA will act in accordance with the City of New Orleans vaccination requirements. Anyone 12 years of age and older must provide proof of at least one dose of an approved COVID vaccine or negative PCR test within 72 hours before attending our indoor events.

  • Accepted forms of vaccination proof:

    • LA Wallet app (Download and install the app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.)

    • An original, digital photograph or photocopy (both sides) of your CDC vaccination card

    • An official vaccination record issued by another state, foreign nation or the WHO

  • Accepted forms of Negative COVID-19 PCR results:

    • Email containing results (within 72 hours of your visit)

    • Print out of negative results (within 72 hours of your visit)

• Symptoms after the event? If you think you are sick with Covid 19, please follow the CDC's recommendations and fill out our reporting form so we can let other families know they may need to quarantine.  

What measures are YALA taking to ensure a safe event experience?

• Face Coverings: All employees must wear a face covering, as mandated by the state. Employees are also encouraged to keep this in mind even when they are not at work since the impacts of not wearing a mask in personal time can affect unvaccinated children when they return to work.

• Self-Screening: All employees will participate in self-screening.

• Hand Hygiene: All employees will follow a regular schedule of hand-washing, especially when entering and exiting a classroom and/or building.

• Limited Attendance: All attendees must register for Artsplay!™ classes in advance in order to limit the total number of attendees.

• Quarantining Gift Bags: YALA will quarantine all gift bags for three days prior to distribution.

• Self-Reporting: YALA has created a self-reporting form for attendees to keep families notified in the case of unintentional contact with a person with COVID-19. 

All protocols are based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as it relates to: Guidance for Organizing Large Events and Gatherings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/considerations-for-events-gatherings.html; and COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/child-care-guidance.html.