One of the industries that has been greatly impacted by the global health crisis is the entertainment industry, particularly Broadway theatrical productions.

Broadway ended up being shut down several months due to COVID-19. Once live theater returned, mask and vaccine requirements were put in place for audiences. Now, Broadway has decided to extend its mask mandate. Here’s what you need to know.

Previously, Broadway was set to require masks only through April 30th even after New York dropped its mask mandate. Now, that mask mandate for Broadway shows has been extended.

According to The Orlando Sentinel, Broadway will continue to require audience members to wear masks through at least May 31st. That means that all theater-goers are still required to wear a mask while they’re inside the theater. 

The Orlando Sentinel notes that this announcement comes “as the United States deals with a fresh COVID-19 surge, with cases rising nationally and in most states after a two-month decline.”

Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League said in a statement: “Our intention is that by maintaining strict audience masking through at least the month of May, we will continue that track record of safety for all. And of course, we urge everyone to get vaccinated.”

One policy that will change, however, is vaccination checks. The Orlando Sentinel reports that vaccination checks will now be up to individual theater owners. The Schubert Organization, which currently owns 17 theaters, has already said it will not require proof of vaccination from audience members as of May 1st. However, all Broadway workers are currently required to be vaccinated.

Future masking rules and guidelines will be released by The Broadway League sometime in May. This announcement follows the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s decision to extend the mask mandate in the U.S. on planes, trains, and other spots also due to some rising COVID-19 levels.

We’ll continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated, so check back with us for more news.

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The post NEWS: Mask Mandate EXTENDED for Broadway Shows first appeared on the disney food blog.