New York bans all shows with more than 500 people, including Broadway

Broadway theaters close their doors this Thursday, March 12, by order of Governor Andrew Cuomo. Performances will resume the week of April 13. The announcement comes as New York City and nation performing arts venues and organizations have announced measurements “Dramatic” by growing concerns about the global coronavirus pandemic.

Cuomo announced at a press conference that Gatherings of more than 500 people will not be allowed, except for schools, hospitals, public transportation and nursing homes. That ban will go into effect on March 13. For meetings of less than 500, the audience will be limited to half the total capacity of each theater from this Friday.

This is the first time Broadway theaters have been shut down for an extended period since the 2007 stage strike, when the theaters were closed for 19 days.

“Our top priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of Broadway theater goers and the thousands of people who work in the theater industry every day, including actors, musicians, set designers, ushers and many other dedicated professionals.“Said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League, in a statement.

“Broadway has the power to inspire, enrich and entertain, and together we are committed to bringing that vital spirit to life. Once our stages light up again, we will welcome fans with open arms so they can continue to experience the joy, heart, and goodwill that our shows so passionately express every night. “

The pandemic hit Broadway

A security guard and usher who in recent days worked in two theaters, tested positive for COVID-19 and it’s under quarantine, according to the Shubert and Nederlander organizations, Broadway’s largest theater chains. Both theaters have been thoroughly cleaned and all Broadway shows will continue as scheduled Thursday night.

According to a joint statement issued Thursday by the theater chains, the employee worked as an usher on the new staging of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” at Shubert’s Booth Theater from March 3-7. As a result, the theater was thoroughly cleaned “following all current government standards.”

The nearby Brooks Atkinson Theater, where “Six” performs, was also thoroughly cleaned as the clerk helped seat the audience on February 25 and March 1. Anyone with a ticket who prefers to attend a future function of either performance will be able to do so.

“Employees of theaters and productions who may have been exposed were notified and advised to monitor their health diligently and adhere to best practices related to personal hygiene, and instructed to stay home if they are ill,” the statement said.

“Additionally, we encourage any high-risk audience members who have attended these shows in the past several days to follow similar guidelines,” he added.

Broadway is particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus because its audience is larger, thousands of people are crammed into small seats during each performance, and the industry relies on tourism.. Of the 14.8 million entries during the 2018-2019 season, 65% were from tourists: 46% from Americans from other parts of New York and 19% from other countries.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild symptoms recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe symptoms may take three to six weeks to recover.

Coronavirus hits the cinema: they estimate world losses of US $ 5 billion dollars and Cannes is in danger. The decrease in theatrical attendance is generating a notorious drop at the box office and the premiere of the new James Bond installment was delayed. In addition, the important French festival could be canceled.

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