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Broadway is canceled: New York governor orders closure of theaters, ban on gatherings of 500+ due to coronavirus
Looking to "reduce density" of people across New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced a ban on gatherings of 500 people or more and shut down Broadway theaters in Manhattan.
The theater ban takes effect at 5 pm local time on Thursday, while the moratorium on large gatherings will be enforced starting 5 pm on Friday, Cuomo said.
For Broadway theaters in Manhattan, these rules will go into effect at 5pm TODAY.We have already spoken to the theaters about these new measures and they agreed.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 12, 2020
“We have already spoken to the theaters about these new measures and they agreed,” the governor tweeted, confirming earlier reports by local media that a shutdown was coming. Actors Equity, a union representing performers, has been lobbying for a ban because its members are concerned about contracting the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Actors Equity has been pushing for the shut down as the union’s members are concerned about contracting the virus. “Equity is driving this,” said a producer. “If actors don’t feel safe, they don’t have to perform.”
The New York Philharmonic has already canceled all performances through March 31, citing “the safety and security of our guests, musicians and employees.”
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