The state of New York has banned gatherings of 500 people or more — including for Broadway shows — amid fears of the coronavirus pandemic. Over 325 people have now tested positive for COVID-19, according to government officials, which announced the ban Thursday on social media.Broadway, a multi-billion dollar industry that attracts thousands of tourists and visitors each year, will officially go dark at 5 p.m. Friday as a result of the ban, officials said. 31 productions will shut down and eight shows set to begin previews will be postponed. It marks the first major step in coronavirus prevention by New York state, which up until now, had only been shutting down schools and canceling certain sporting events.
Gov. Cuomo explained in a tweet, "We have already spoken to the theaters about these new measures and they agreed." At least 328 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed by New York doctors. 112 of those cases were reported overnight. 95 of them are in New York City, where Broadway is located. At least one usher — who worked performances of Six and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? — recently tested positive this week.
"Immediately upon learning of the positive test, both organizations began taking every step necessary to ensure the safety of our audiences, performers, crew and building staff," Broadway officials said. Ticketholders have been allowed to exchange their tickets for shows at a later date.
The state of New Jersey has taken similar actions to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus and ordered the cancellation of public gatherings of 250 or more people. The congressional doctor recently estimated that approximately 150 million people are expected to become infected by the current strain of coronavirus.
(via Deadline)