Dear TASA Group Members
Whilst TASA is not a governing body, we believe every theatre group has a duty of care to provide a safe environment for its members, volunteers and patrons. All members are responsible to always deliver that duty of care on behalf of their groups.
TASA recommendation is for all individuals to follow the health guidelines provided by Governments (Federal, State or Territory), including any public health orders, and to seek medical advice as to their own particular circumstances to make an informed decision in relation to COVID 19 and vaccination requirements.
TASA also recommends our members continue to communicate with their venue/location owners in regard to their current COVID Safety Plan and how that will affect your performance and audience attendance.
For member groups, there maybe an increased risk and liability for unvaccinated people Unvaccinated people present an increased risk to themselves and other people. In the normal course of events, vaccinated people who contract COVID will have reduced symptoms. There are circumstances where a small minority of vaccinated people or immune-suppressed people are less resistant to COVID 19 despite having had the vaccine.
It is the advice of TASA for all TASA members and groups to support government / medical authority led advocacy for vaccinations as we see it as a public health benefit. TASA advises all member groups to have an internal discussion regarding COVID and vaccinations and if in doubt to seek advice from SA Health.
In summary
Theatre Groups responsibilities:
· Comply with all Government health advice in regard to all COVID 19 measures.
· Preserve the welfare, health and safety of all cast, crew and other volunteers in your organisation.
· Formulate a COVID vaccination policy for your group, communicate the policy to all concerned, and enforce this policy as required
· Comply with all rules and regulations of the rehearsal/performance venues that you use.
Rehearsal/Performance venue Owner/Operators responsibilities
· Comply with all Government health advice in regard to COVID 19 measures.
· Preserve the welfare, health and safety of all cast, crew and other volunteers that use your venue.
· Formulate a COVID vaccination policy for your venue, communicate the policy to all concerned, and enforce this policy as required
· Without a specific Government mandate, it is the responsibility of the venue to formulate a vaccination policy regarding audience members, and members of the public who may visit your venue. Many larger venues in South Australia have already started applying a “no vax – no attendance” policy.
TASA will continue to provide open communication with SA Health and we will post any up-to-date information regarding Covid and vaccinations on our website.
If you would like TASA to forward any questions that arise from your internal meetings to SA Health, please email: secretary@tasaonline.org.au. We will update the Q&A page as questions get answered.
Yours sincerely
Lindsay Dunn
President
Theatre Association of South Australia