Broadway theaters will still require audience members to wear masks and show proof of vaccination for entry, the Broadway League confirmed Wednesday.
The confirmation comes after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the lifting of the statewide mask-or-vaccine mandate, which is set to expire Thursday. The mandate, which had been in place since early December, required indoor businesses in the state to either ask for proof of vaccination or require patrons to wear masks at all times.
Localities and individual businesses still have the option to impose stricter requirements, Hochul said.
New York City has a vaccine mandate for patrons of indoor gyms, restaurants and theaters. That policy, which was announced in August 2021, had not been changed as of Wednesday.
Broadway theaters have had a policy requiring mask-wearing and proof of vaccination since July 2021. The policy was recently renewed through April 30.
“We are maintaining our mask and vaccination mandate in all theaters until April 30, 2022 and look forward to welcoming all visitors to experience the best of Broadway,” said Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin.
The state will still require masks in state-regulated healthcare centers, on public transit and at schools and childcare centers. However, Hochul said the requirement in schools will be re-evaluated in early March.
