NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The mask mandate for audiences at Broadway theaters was extended Friday to at least May 31, though "many" theaters will scrap their COVID-19 vaccine checks.
The Broadway League, a trade association, said the owners and operators of all 41 Broadway theaters will extend the mask requirement for audiences until the end of May.
Protocols for June and beyond will be announced in May.
While mask mandates will remain in place at all Broadway theaters through at least May 31, “many” theaters may no longer require that audience members provide proof of vaccination, the Broadway League said, adding that showgoers should check the requirement for specific shows.
“Since resuming performances last fall, over 5 million attendees have seen a Broadway show, and the safety and security of our cast, crew, and audience has been our top priority,” said Broadway League president Charlotte St. Martin.
“Our intention is that by maintaining strict audience masking through at least the month of May, we will continue that track record of safety for all. And of course, we urge everyone to get vaccinated,” Martin said.
Mask and vaccine requirements on Broadway were first announced last summer.
Friday's announcement comes as the U.S. deals with a fresh COVID-19 surge, with cases rising nationally and in most states after a two-month decline.
Several shows on Broadway have had to cancel performances in the past few weeks, including “Plaza Suite” when both Matthew Broderick and his wife and co-star, Sarah Jessica Parker, contracted the virus. The musical “A Strange Loop” canceled its first preview performance and Daniel Craig has been sidelined from his revival of “Macbeth.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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