July 30, 2021–The Broadway League announced today that Manhattan theaters will require audiences, performers and backstage staff to show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus as the city’s performing arts ready for their September return
Additionally, audiences will be required to wear masks while in the theaters, except while eating and drinking in designated areas.
The directive covers Broadway’s 41 theaters and will remain in place through at least October and could be extended depending on public health guidance, the league said in its press release.
This move comes as city public health officials ramp up their vaccination efforts — including imposing a shots-or-test mandate on municipal employees — as they attempt to head off an outbreak of the super contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus.
Also today, Mayor Bill de Blasio again indicated that the Health Department is considering requiring proof of vaccination for bars, night clubs and indoor eateries as another way to contain the spread of the Delta variant and provide another incentive for vaccination.
New York’s 300,000-plus municipal workforce must either get their shots or test weekly for COVID.
