ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced updated guidance for large-scale outdoor event venues Wednesday.
Following the announcement that there will be specific sections for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at baseball games in the state, the governor announced the guidance also applies to large-scale outdoor event venues such as:
- Sports venues
- Performing arts and live entertainment venues
- Horse racing venues
- Auto racing venues
Cuomo says beginning May 19 the venues will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required 6-feet social distancing. Those who are fully vaccinated do not have to follow the 6-feet social distancing requirement in assigned sections designated solely for fully vaccinated individuals. Proof of full vaccination status can be provided through paper form, digital application or the state's Excelsior Pass. Appropriate social distancing, masks and other health protocols will still apply. Those under of the age of 16 who are not eligible to be vaccinated may accompany an adult in a fully vaccinated section.
Beginning June 19 a pilot will begin to reduce social distancing at large-scale indoor venues in assigned sections designated solely for fully vaccinated individuals.
"Our state's positivity and hospitalization rates continue to drop and more people are getting vaccinated, so now it's time to readjust our reopening based on the science and the data," Governor Cuomo said. "The trajectory we are seeing brings us to a point where we can take a major step forward and allow capacity at large-scale outdoor events to only be limited by the space available to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet, with sections designated solely for fully vaccinated individuals where capacity can be 100%. All the arrows are pointed in the right direction, but we can't lose any of the significant progress we've made. We're going to continue focusing on our vaccination efforts, because the more people vaccinated, the better the situation and the closer we get to defeating COVID once and for all."
Cuomo also announced that Broadway shows can return at full capacity in September.
The pandemic intermission will soon be over for the Irish Classical Theatre.
“We are looking forward to welcoming patrons back to the Andrews next season," said Executive Artistic Director Kate LoConti Alcocer.
She said Cuomo's announcement regarding Broadway is great news, but won't effect their reopening plans because the theater is a different model. She said the theater's smaller size and unique setup can present capacity challenges.
“We are not able to socially distance under 33% capacity now so we are looking for an even more limited capacity then that but we are ok with that and will be moving forward w those plans.”
Shows will also be back at Shea's Performing Arts Center in September. The theater has said it could only open under full capacity.
“We are encouraged by the announcement from the Governor regarding the regionally-coordinated reopening of arts and entertainment venues across the State. This will allow the shows the necessary time for rehearsals and recasting prior to returning to the stage. We cannot wait to welcome patrons back to Shea’s this September under the CDC and state mandated guidelines that will be in effect at that time.”
The state said it's up to theaters to decide whether or not to require vaccinations. Both Shea's and the Irish Classical Theatre said they are still working on that part of reopening plans.
