Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today the city's commitment to Broadway and audiences returning to theatres this fall. During his morning press conference, it was also announced that several programs were being launched to help support the reopening of Broadway, Off-Broadway and live theatrical events. Over the course of several weeks the city plans on opening COVID-19 vaccination sites in the theatre district and will also include testing sites for performance venues. While the vaccination sites will be open, this does not mean that all Broadway industry workers will be eligible for the vaccine right away since each state still controls who is current in the next round of eligibility. Mayor de Blasio also mentioned that his office is working with the Broadway industry leaders on how best to control crowds either before or after a performance but went on to say that Governor Cuomo needs to address clear guidance for theatre workers and audience members for how best to open this fall.
Joining Mayor de Blasio were Broadway performers André de Shields and Telly Leung who stressed that the $15 Billion industry not only employees 97,000 people but feeds in to other local businesses as well.
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