Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters will not be allowed to open as New York City enters Phase 4 of reopening on July 20.
While theaters were originally included in this phase — the final stage of New York’s reopening plan — a spokesperson for Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed that further study will be required before determining when live theater can resume operations. Phase 4 also excludes indoor activity at museums and movie theaters, as well as in malls and at restaurants in the city.
“This public health emergency is unprecedented — there are bound to be some industries that don’t fit neatly into the phased re-opening, and we continue to study the data to determine how and when these businesses can safely resume operations,” said Jack Sterne, a spokesperson for the administration. “But at a time when dozens of other states are seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases, New Yorkers should remember that there is still a global pandemic, and we will not risk opening New York up to another wave of this deadly virus.”
Broadway theaters are currently scheduled to be closed through at least Jan. 3.
Phase 4 does allow for the resumption of film and television production and outdoor professional sports without spectators. Outdoor zoos and botanical gardens will be allowed to reopen. Schools are also allowed to reopen, following guidance from the state.
New York City is the final region in the state to reach Phase 4.
