New York took another big step on the road to reopening: entertainment venues and comedy clubs welcomed some guests again.
State requirements dictate that in all locations there is only one 33% capacity, with a maximum of 100 people inside and 200 outside, details the PIX11 portal.
If the event organizers test people, Those limits rise to 150 people indoors and 500 outdoors. The measure does not include Broadway stages, because capacity limits do not allow business to be maintained.
State regulations allow a maximum of 150 people inside if everyone present has tested negative for the coronavirus, but this is not enough for large theaters, which typically have at least 1,200 seats, to make a profit.
Although for some, the interior capacity is limited and they simply chose not to reopen, places like the Shed at Hudson Yards, celebrated their big reopening night, ABC 7 reported.
Locals like him Gotham Comedy Club They took advantage of the moment with the king of New York comedy, Jerry Seinfeld, who stunned the crowd on the first night they reopen after a year of pandemic.
“I love this club and I love performing in New York, and I didn’t want to get excited, but I’m very excited to help bring it back,” Seinfeld said according to the portal’s review.
The actor and comedian has defended New York City during the pandemic even as some fled.
Last fall, he wrote a scathing editorial about the vibrancy of New York after the co-owner of the Stand Up NY comedy club, James Altucher, declare that the city was “Dead forever” due to the COVID-19 crisis, The Post details.
For many clubs like Stand Up NY, last year it was a struggle to put on shows outside and on the subway. But Friday was a great relief.
“Even if it’s only 33%, the feeling is goodJon Borromeo of Stand Up NY noted.
“We’re getting some of our staff back to work, getting some of our comedians back to work, and that feels good! So any step we take is in the right direction. “
Read here: Comedy clubs sue New York over closures
Excelsior Pass gives reopening a boost
The city still maintains certain restrictions to achieve its total reopening. But there is another avenue on the horizon that could improve the outlook. Its about Excelsior Pass, a pass promoted by the Cuomo administration, for clients to demonstrate that they have recently undergone a rapid or negative PCR test, or to demonstrate that they are vaccinated.
Like airline boarding passes, people will be able to print their card or save it to their smartphones using the app Excelsior Pass Wallet.
“New Yorkers have shown that they can follow public health guidance to deal with COVID, and the innovative Excelsior Pass is another tool to fight the virus, while allowing more sectors of the economy to reopen safely.” , Cuomo stated regarding the pass.
The Madison Square Garden announced that it will implement the pass in the coming weeks. And in the opening game of the Yankees, although fans did not need the Excelsior pass to enter, they did have to prove that they had tested negative for COVID or that they had been vaccinated, details ABC7.
Some have raised concerns about equal access, saying that until everyone has access to the vaccine, countries like this exclude part of the community.
You can also read: New Yorkers will need an “Excelsior Pass” to enter some venues
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