When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world with such a force, so many beloved pastimes were shut down. Concerts were a thing of the past, weddings became tiny affairs with loved ones. New York City shut down with restaurant and museum closures, with no plans for return. Broadway, one of the pastimes which brings people of all ages and ethnicities together, was shut down. The theater lights were shut off, the stages were bare. However, with the outpour of vaccinations and the reopening of New York City, Broadway’s resurgence was imminent. And it did. On September 14, 2021, Broadway reopened its doors with performances of Hamilton, To Kill a Mockingbird, and much more.
What’s the catch?
All attendees are required to be fully vaccinated and a mask must be worn throughout the entire show. Children under the age of 12 are required to show a negative COVID test within 72 hours of their show. These new mandates, while stirring up controversy, are in place for the safety of the performers and audience members. With these mandates and return of indoor activities, is there hope for a new normal? New York City has required every patron seated inside a restaurant to show their vaccination card at the door or service is prohibited. This vaccine mandate could push more citizens of the United States to get vaccinated if more states enforce this, but this mandate could also push people away from indoor dining in general. Concerts have also made a slow return to the entertainment stage. Artists such as Harry Styles are requiring full vaccination while others are requiring negative COVID tests 72 hours before the curtains rise. Others, such as the Weeknd, are postponing their tours until more normalcy returns. With the return to entertainment and packed stadiums/theaters, will the COVID-19 pandemic ever be relinquished or will masked football games be the forever normal?