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Metro Creative Connection
Metro Creative Connection

Performing arts & entertainment venues can reopen at 33% capacity

Submitted

Fri, Apr 2nd 2021 01:10 pm

√ Venues now able to host up to 100 people indoors or up to 200 people outdoors; with testing or immunization, up to 150 people indoors or up to 500 people outdoors

√ Social distancing, face coverings and strict health protocols required

√ Excelsior Pass now available for to show proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test to attend venues; interested New Yorkers can use pass and learn more here; interested businesses can learn more here

√ New state guidance available here

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday announced performing arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33% capacity. Venues can host up to 100 people indoors or up to 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of completed vaccination or recent negative test result prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors or up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing, face coverings, health screening and other health protocols will be required by all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health guidance, which is available here.

"New York's beloved arts and entertainment venues have been hard hit by the public health guidance we've implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19 and, after a long and difficult period, I am glad to see them reopen their doors to New Yorkers," Cuomo said. "Attendees will need to follow strict guidance to keep themselves and others safe, but they'll now be able to watch world-class performances and take part in our state's thriving arts and culture scene once again. I encourage New Yorkers to get tested before attending events and to use Excelsior Pass to show venues that they've been vaccinated or tested before entering performance spaces."

On March 26, Cuomo announced the launch of Excelsior Pass, a free, voluntary platform developed in partnership with IBM, which utilizes technology to confirm an individual's recent negative PCR or antigen test result or proof of vaccination to help fast-track the reopening of businesses and event venues in accordance with New York State Department of Health guidelines. Similar to a mobile airline boarding pass, individuals will be able to either print out their pass or store it on their smartphones using the Excelsior Pass Wallet app.

Each pass will have a secure QR code, which participating businesses and venues can scan using a companion app to verify proof of COVID-19 negative test results or proof of vaccination. Cuomo’s press release said an individual's data is kept secure and confidential at all times.

Interested New Yorkers can opt in to use Excelsior Pass and learn more here; interested businesses can opt in and learn more here.

On Feb. 20, the governor announced the launch of “NY PopsUp,” an expansive festival featuring hundreds of pop-up performances designed to revitalize the spirits of New Yorkers with the energy of live performances and to jumpstart the state's live entertainment industry. During the run of the festival, “NY PopsUp” will grow in its scale, volume of performances, and geographical footprint.

Follow @NYPopsUp on Twitter and Instagram for the latest. More information is available here.

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