Salsa Latina Dance Centre Dance Classes & Events, Christchurch New Zealand

Full Traffic Light Policy & History
 

☆ Update: 05/04/22

- MVP/CVC's: Vax Passes Will NOT be needed for any activity at Salsa Latina from Now onward (from Monday 4th April 11:59pm.)

- QR Codes: These are no longer required, nor are they effective, so we have removed the entrance QR Poster & register.
- Masks NOT required  & NOT recommended for dancing. Masks are NOT mandated, therefor optional to wear.

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☆ Update: 23/03/22
As expected the Govt announced 23/3/22 that CVC (Vax passes) no longer required from 4th April 2022. We will be also dropping all requirements for CVC/MVPs for all activities at Salsa Latina from 5th April. This means anyone Jabbed or not jabbed may come to classes & events. QR Codes will also be dropped from Friday 25th March.

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☆ Update: 20/03/22

After running classes in the framework we have outlined below for a few months based on the law, we have had communication with Work Safe over a few weeks, they couldn't agree on the law surrounding dance classes being a gatherings vs gym setting. We think the law is on our side based on gatherings, however we have decided to follow their requests based on their 'guidelines' rather than the 'law' - because we don't wish to challenge this further with them & it seems obvious mandates etc will change very soon anyway. Worksafe did agree that performance team classes & party gatherings can operate with the settings we have outlined below. We hope the law around mandates changes soon because we have been against division since this traffic light system started. As soon as its is possible we will drop all of these outdated requirement so anyone can enter. ... Please see updates to our timetable for dance classes.

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☆ Your Responsibilities:

- Make sure you wash your hands and use hand sanitiser when possible & avoid touching your eyes.

- Stay home if you are feeling unwell or sick with any kind of virus or bug.
- Masks Optional (Not Mandated) but recommended ( Also not recommended for exercise or dancing/sport)
- People at higher risk of severe illness, for example those with underlying medical conditions and  those considered to be at risk eg. older people, are encouraged to take additional precautions such as below.
- ​You are welcome to dance with one partner if you choose not to be part of the partner rotation/swapping in classes, it might pay to organise this prior to class with someone & talk with a teacher about this. Another option is to focus on Performance Team or Shines classes.
- Keep Fit & physically & mentally healthy, with exercise, which includes dancing!

- Stay healthy and work with your GP if you have underlying health issues.

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☆ FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

- Will I need a Vax Pass?
A CVC/MVP will NOT be required for any activity, nor will we ask for one. Anyone may be free to enter our venue going forward.

- Will the Traffic Light settings affect anything?

It seems to us the Traffic Light system is a bit redundant, for our activities the traffic light setting only seems to affect numbers at the venue which exceeds normal capacity. Masks & Vaccine Status are no longer an issue. So with these factors in mind there is no difference to classes or events if the setting is Red, Orange, Green. 
- What is an MVP or CVC?
My Vaccine Pass "MVP" & Corona Vaccine Certifcate "CVC " is a certificate or a passport that shows if you have been vaccinated. Vax Passes are No longer needed from 5th April 2022.

- Do I Need to Isolate?
You only need to isolate for 7 days if you have Covid or someone in your household is sick, as per govt update. Please don't turn up if you are sick with any kind of bug. We trust our students to do the right thing and isolate for the required time & do their own RAT tests.
- Do you do any health checks?
We do NOT enquire on anyones private medical health, except if required by law. Nor do we impose any physical health check of any kind on anyone including temperature checks.

- Which Classes Require CVC?
See our timetable this now lists CVC requirements; Blue = No CVC. Red = CVC Required .. see timetable here >

+++ CVC No longer be required from 4th April 2022 11:59pm ++++

- Do we still need to Scan the QR code?

No longer available  or required from Friday 25th March 2022 - QR Poster(s) now been removed.

- Do Children Need a CVC / MVP?
Children Under 12 years & 3 months Old , a MVP/CVC is NOT required

-  I have a Vax Exemption

Yes we accept these, there are a few types of exemptions available and we will honour these. You may also get a Temporary Vax exemption if you have had Covid. Contact us if you want more information.
- I have a Mask Exception
We accept these, but you don't even need to show one because this is self regulating. You can  enter  our venue without a mask as it is not mandated. However you are welcome to wear one. Sports NZ doesn't recommend to wear a mask while doing exercise / dancing. 

-  If you can't come to a Class or Event because of your situation.

If for some reason you can't come, because of your situation i.e. No CVC or if you are sick or isolating,  please do message us as we have some ideas to help you keep moving and dancing. We may even offer some free classes for your troubles. We can help remedy your situation on a case by case basis. In the mean time do consider online classes as these will keep your learning going >

- Is Salsa a Sport?

Salsa & Latin dances are many things, cultural, physical art, creative, expression, musical and yes Salsa is a Sport too... have a read here >

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Protection Framework Policy for Salsa Latina

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◉ NOTICE: 

 Much of the Below information will be out of  date from 4th April 2022 and was mainly relevant prior to this date.

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◉ Introduction

 

Following the introduction of the new Covid-19 Public Health Response (Protection Framework) Order 2021 (Traffic Light Framework), we introduce this policy for operating Salsa Latina.  

 

The activities carried out by Salsa Latina are “permitted gatherings” as set out at clause 42 of in the Traffic Light Framework. 

 

The activities carried out by Salsa Latina appear to fall into the category of “gathering” as defined in clause 13 of the Traffic Light Framework (.1) as they are:

1. Some examples are given on the Covid-19 website, such as social sports, etc. (2.)

2. Other examples are given in clause 13 of the order, such as community club events,  etc.

 

- Under the “Green” setting, gatherings are limited to 100 people if not using vaccine certificates. If using vaccine certificates, there are no restrictions. (3.)

- Under the “Orange” setting, gatherings are limited to 50 people if not using vaccine certificates. If using vaccine certificates, there are no restrictions. (4.)

- Under the “Red” setting, gatherings are limited to 25 people if not using vaccine certificates. If using vaccine certificates, events are limited to 100 people. (5.)

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1.  https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0386/latest/LMS602811.html 

2.  https://covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/life-at-red/gatherings-and-visits-at-red/public-and-private-gatherings-at-red/

3. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0386/latest/LMS566881.html

4. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0386/latest/LMS570864.html

5.  https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0386/latest/LMS602390.html

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In: 

 

1. Part 1 relates to All settings of the Framework.

2. Part 2 is a summary of how & which activities will proceed under the “green” setting of the Framework. 

3. Part 3 is a summary of how & which activities will proceed under the “orange” setting of the Framework. 

4. Part 4 is a summary of how & which activities will proceed under the “red” setting of the Framework. 

5. Part 5 is an explanation of how the Framework applies to Salsa Latina. 

 

We have prepared this policy after careful consideration of what is possible under the current framework. We would like everyone to be able to enjoy our activities to the extent possible and will try to work with you to determine which activities you can participate in, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions. 

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◉ Part 1 - All Traffic Light Settings

 

- You will NOT be required to QR scan in or enter your name on the paper records upon entry to the venue downstairs.

+++ No longer be available or required from 25th March 2022 ++++

- Please ensure you use the hand sanitiser at the entrance before entering.

- Children Under 12 years & 3 months Old , a MVP/CVC is NOT required.

 

• Your Health & Responsibilities

- If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend. If you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms as outlined on the Ministry of Health website, please do not attend and obtain a Covid-19 test. (5.) 

- Make sure you wash your hands and use hand sanitiser when you can

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• Capacity Limits & Defined Space Limits**
Specified limits are based on 1 metre distancing, which means one metre square of space for each person (the number of people is limited by the space available) aka a "Defined Space". (6.) It does not mean people must maintain 1 metre physical distancing. Capacity limits include everyone in a defined space, excluding 'workers'.

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• Defined spaces:  Post 4th April 2022**

Maximum Person capacity limits in each of Salsa Latina Studios

- Studio#1 = 200

- Studio#2 = 50

- Studio#3 = 4

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• Colour Coding for Salsa Latina
◉ CVC/MVP Required

◉ CVC/MVP Not Required
see the same colour coding on our timetable for defined classes here >

 

• Workers

These include all dancers, teachers, helpers & Taxi Dancers (paid & unpaid).
They are also not part of the capacity limits. 

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• Facemasks

Facemasks are not mandated for our activities but is recommended. (7.)

You are not required to wear a face covering when you are playing sport , exercising or engaging in recreational activities (dance falls into all of these categories). (Also it appears this is not mandated).(8.)

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5. www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/about-covid-19#symptoms

6. www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0386/latest/LMS573569.html

7. https://covid19.govt.nz/prepare-and-stay-safe/keep-up-healthy-habits/wear-a-face-covering

8. https://sportnz.org.nz/resources/covid-19-protection-framework-faqs

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◉ Part 2 - Green 

 

◉ All Activities

 CVC Not Required - Post 4th April 2022

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◉ Part 3 - Orange

 

◉ All Activities

 CVC Not Required - Post 4th April 2022

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◉ Part 4 - Red

 

◉ All Activities

 CVC Not Required - Post 4th April 2022

Maximum limit of 200 persons per defined space.  **

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◉ Performance Teams

 CVC Not Required  - pre or post 4th April 

These are Sports teams with No Limits in a defined space.​ **
However we will limit this to the actual team or those training toward a team involved.

Please see our timetable which have No CVC requirements

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◉ Part 5 -  Explanation

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We have carefully considered whether or not our activities fall into the category of “gyms” which are required to operate with the use of CVCs pursuant to Part 10 of Schedule 2 of the Covid-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021. (11.)

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• Gyms

 

The definition of “gym” is in clause 5 of the Framework and appears to cover the standard understanding of what a “gym” is: (12.)

 

    gym means an indoor exercise facility for which access is limited to members+

It does not appear that our space is a “gym”:

1. Access to our activities are not limited to members. 

2. Anyone can attend as long as a event/class is purchased (Free in some cases). No membership is required. 

3. We do not require any exercise equipment for dancing.

4. The purpose of a gym is to work out/exercise. vs Dancing. which is; entertainment, social, cultural, sport & recreational.

5. Gyms have the facility for members to check themselves in and out and use a facility. 

6. Gyms are not Social & Cultural in the same respect, nor Entertainment.

 

• Gatherings

 

We have further reviewed the definition of the term “gatherings” which is defined at clause 13 of the Framework:  (13.)

 

Gathering: A gathering is defined as people mingling in a group (whether indoors or outdoors) and excludes anyone who is two metres away from the group. Examples are:

1. a gathering to undertake voluntary or not-for-profit sporting, recreational, social, or cultural activities

2. a gathering to undertake community club activities (except activities that occur at the same time and place as services provided under a club licence under section 21 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012):

3. a faith-based gathering;

4. a funeral or tangihanga; 

5. a gathering held in a defined space or premises of a workplace (other than a vehicle in use as part of a public transport service) that have been hired for the exclusive use of the gathering by a person (other than the person who manages or controls the defined space or premises).

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Further examples are given on the Unite Against Covid-19 website.(14.) It excludes any gatherings held at offices, retail premises, gyms, Courts and Tribunals and education entities.

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We consider that our activities fall within this category: 

1. They are Social Sports (Dance is a Sport & Recreation). 

2. They are held in a defined space which has been hired for the exclusive use of this gathering. 

3. They are Cultural

4. The people attending are all likely to know one another & will get to know each other

5. Not all of our actvities you pay for, you can do allot for free

 

The Sports NZ flow chart (18.) confirms that our activities are indeed, gatherings as follows:

1. Our activities are not one-off events / occasions, they are usually weekly or have regular trainings.

2. Our activities are not controlled by ticketing, fees or registration, but rather, by casual rates, course rates & concession card rates all of which are passes which last a certain duration. 

3. The people in attendance are likely to know one another.  Our activities are social they tend to be aimed at getting to know others  within the group.

4. On the Sports NZ website it explains "Events"will often be  called 'Gatherings" in the framework

 

• Sports

 

Some of the activities carried out at Salsa Latina are professional or semi-professional sports which include 'performance teams.' These activities involve training and so we consider they fall more aptly under the heading “business or service” which includes the following in its definition: (15.)

 

    “The playing of sports professionally or semi-professionally.”

 

Venues which carry out “close proximity businesses or services” are required to operate under CVC rules. (16.) However, it is not a “close proximity business or service” as clause 5 of the Framework also states that “close contact business or service” excludes professional and semi-professional sports. (17.) For that reason, these activities do not require workers or participants to carry a CVC.

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11.https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0094/latest/LMS487909.html
12. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0386/latest/LMS573241.html

13. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0386/latest/LMS573241.html​

14. https://covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/life-at-red/gatherings-and-visits-at-red/public-and-private-gatherings-at-red

15. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0386/latest/LMS573241.html

16. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0094/latest/LMS487909.html

17. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0386/latest/LMS573241.html

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18. Sports NZ Flow Chart; see figure below 

Sports NZ Flow Chart & Notes:
#Q1 - No = Gathering.  Our Classes are weekly
#Q3 - No = Gathering. New people may join casually
#Q4 - No = Gathering. Participants usually know each other and also know each other during the process because this is a bubble.