The Broadway League released an updated statement on coronavirus Friday, speaking to an increase in cleaning protocols in every Broadway theater.
“We are following the lead of our city, state and federal elected officials as we implement strategies recommended by public health authorities and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in all of our theatres and offices as all productions continue to play as scheduled. We have significantly increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in all public and backstage areas beyond the standard daily schedule, and we have added alcohol-based sanitizer dispensers for public use in the lobby of every theatre. We invite patrons to make use of soap, paper towels, and tissues available in all restrooms. We remain vigilant, and we are prepared to make decisions based on current recommendations, as well as in response to changing conditions,” the League said Friday.
The League also encouraged “anyone who is experiencing cold or flu symptoms” to stay home and contact the point of purchase for ticket refunds or exchanges. This adds on to the League’s statement earlier this week, in which the union for producers and theater owners said it was “closely monitoring” the situation.
The update comes after the state of New York reported 33 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus Friday, an increase of 11 from Thursday. The new cases reported Friday are all connected to the New Rochelle man who tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, according to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.
The state instituted new coronavirus testing protocol Friday and has reported about 4,000 New York residents currently under precautionary quarantine.
Thus far, the Broadway economy does not appear to have been hit hard by fears over the virus. However, NYC & Company, the marketing agency for the city, has projected a decline in visitors in March, April and May in response to COVID-19, which may, in turn, hurt Broadway grosses.
