Masks Will No Longer Be Required in Broadway Theaters Soon

The global pandemic caused many things to shut down in the United States and around the world, like restaurants, movie theaters, and even Disney World.

One industry that was significantly impacted was the theater industry, as Broadway completely closed down in New York City. The theaters eventually reopened with protocols in place like mask mandates and proof of vaccination requirements. Some of those protocols have been lifted in recent months, and now, another requirement is about to become optional.

Broadway theaters in New York City will no longer be requiring audiences to wear face masks beginning on the first of July, according to WESH. Masks will be optional starting next month and moving forward.

All 41 theaters on Broadway will adopt this new “mask optional” policy, according to CNBC. But, The Broadway League said that audiences are still encouraged to wear their masks in the theaters.

This is just the latest COVID-19 requirement that is being dropped on Broadway — recently, many theaters stopped requiring audience members to provide proof of vaccination as well.

This new mask policy will “be evaluated on a monthly basis as we continue to monitor the science,” according to a statement from The Broadway League. The protocol for August will be announced in mid-July.

New York City health officials downgraded the city’s COVID-19 risk level to medium on Tuesday, according to NBC New York. The medium risk level means indoor masking is recommended when you’re around others whose vaccination status is not known.

Broadway isn’t the only place that is changing its mask requirements. Disney World and Disneyland have both dropped their mask requirements in most places, and masks are also no longer requirement on transportation like airplanes.

But, that doesn’t mean that masks will be gone forever. If more surges happen, the requirements could be put back into place. It’s also important to pay attention to local mask mandates, as they vary across the country and in different locations. Stay tuned to All Ears for more news and updates.

Click here to learn more about a potential summer surge in COVID-19

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