Mask-wearing will be required in Broadway theaters through at least June 30, the Broadway League announced Friday.
A further extension of the mask policy into July and beyond will be considered next month, according to the announcement.
The decision comes after New York City health officials announced that the COVID alert level has been escalated to “high.” This came with guidance that all New Yorkers should wear masks in indoor settings, though Mayor Eric Adams said earlier this week that “we are not at the point of mandating masks.”
“We’re thrilled that nearly a quarter of a million people are attending Broadway shows weekly in this exciting spring season,” said Broadway League president Charlotte St. Martin. “As always, the safety and security of our cast, crew, and audience has been our top priority. By maintaining our audience masking requirement through at least the month of June, we intend to continue that track record of safety for all, despite the Omicron subvariants.”
The wearing of masks has been a requirement in Broadway theaters since the industry reopened last year. The need for proof of vaccination as a prerequisite for admission was dropped when the Broadway League updated the industry’s protocols last month, but masks were then mandated through May. Some theaters have maintained the vaccine requirement, while most have done away with the policy.
