In an exciting new development for the American music industry, New York venues have been cleared to open at 33% capacity in April, with a 100- and 200-person indoor and outdoor cap, respectively. If venues operators test all attendees for COVID-19 prior to entry, then the maximum capacity can be raised even higher to 150 people indoors and 500 people outdoors. This does not nullify the existing social distancing and mask wearing requirements, which will remain in effect for all events.
The New York Independent Venue Association (NIVA) addressed the new development in a statement:
“NYIVA is encouraged by Governor Cuomo’s commitment to reopening live events and we look forward to restoring New York as the arts capital of the world. We stand ready to do whatever it takes to be live once again for New York. We are not out of the woods yet and our independent venues have struggled to get through this pandemic. We were the first to close and the last to open and are working with the state to get the assistance we need in order to comply with the new requirements.
At this stage, we can’t provide exact numbers on which of our members plan to reopen. What we do know is that in order for independent music venues in New York to reopen and thrive, our industry needs financial support from the state to help procure the equipment and products to reopen safely and comply with the guidelines.”
Featured image: Rebecca Smeyne
