Fans of Broadway musicals will no longer have to wear masks starting next month, the Broadway League, which represents all 41 theaters, said in a statement Tuesday.
It noted that owners and operators throughout The Great White Way they would transition to an “optional mask wearing” policy beginning July 1. The use of face masks remains a strong recommendation, regardless of vaccination status.
The announcement comes a week after New York City ended its face mask mandate for young children. This would mean that as of July 1, public transport could be the only place where the use of masks is still mandatory, but this could also change.
Mask mandates for Broadway were recently extended through June, though Broadway League president Charlotte St. Martin said the end of the rule was near.
“Millions of people recently enjoyed the unique magic of Broadway by watching the 75th Tony Awards® ceremony. Millions more have experienced Broadway LIVE in theaters in New York City and across the US since we reopened last fall,” St. Martin said. “We are thrilled to welcome more of our passionate fans to Broadway for the exciting 22-23 season that has just begun.”
Mask protocols for August and beyond will be reassessed monthly. Expect an update on August in July, St. Martin said.
As for public transportation and the MTA, which is run jointly by the state and city, Gov. Kathy Hochul said the policy was under review and state officials would like to change it soon.
In the past, the Democratic governor has kept her plans under wraps until a decision time is imminent, but sources familiar with her thinking say they believe wearing masks will soon be optional.
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