The UK's theater industry is taking proactive steps to safeguard the beloved Christmas season from another potential downturn caused by rising COVID-19 cases.
With the emergence of a new Omicron variant, England recently reinstated mandatory face masks in shops and on public transport, marking the first such requirement since July. Although theaters haven't been mandated to enforce mask-wearing, many are choosing to implement their own safety measures.
The Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre groups have introduced the \"See it Safely\" scheme. This initiative includes regular testing for staff and performers, encourages audiences to wear face coverings, and promotes contactless payments to minimize health risks.
The Royal Shakespeare Company was the first to adopt these measures, requiring face coverings at their Stratford-upon-Avon venue, with exceptions for children under 12 and those with medical exemptions.
James Lane, producer at Crossroads Live, emphasized the industry's vulnerability during the pandemic. \"Our industry is one of the industries throughout the pandemic that's been hit the hardest,\" he said. \"We've had to go out and be proactive as to how we keep our theaters open and our audiences safe.\"
These safety protocols are being adopted across the sector, encompassing venue owners, production firms, actors, and thousands of support staff, all working together to ensure that the magic of Christmas shows continues despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Reference(s):
Wear masks to save Christmas shows: UK theaters' plea to audiences
cgtn.com
