New York leads the way for indoor venues re-opening at full capacity

New York residents are among some of the first facing the potential prospect of a return to nightlife – in full!

The news came recently from New York City Governor Andrew Cuomo, stating indoor venues will be allowed to re-open at full capacity as long as they were hosting entirely vaccinated audiences. 

Some of the city’s best-known venues have already announced re-opening plans and will only offer tickets to those that can provide proof of vaccination. 

With almost 50% of the city already being fully vaccinated, it will be no time at all before we begin to see a packed out Madison Square Garden or Radio City Music Hall. Of which, both have confirmed their plans to re-open as early as 19th June.

“Having Radio City back at 100%, without masks, with people enjoying New York, and the New York arts, is going to be not only symbolic and metaphoric; but I think it’s going to go a long way toward bringing back this state”, said Cuomo. 

Although the exact process isn’t confirmed under these new rules, a report in IQ Magazine suggests the free ‘Excelsior Pass’ could be used to determine vaccination status. The app, launched by New York State, uses QR codes to verify proof of either vaccination or negative COVID-19 tests with art and entertainment venues. To date, the app has been successfully trialled at two events – a Brooklyn Nets basketball game on 27th February and again at a New York Rangers hockey game on 2nd March.

At present, New York venues are permanently under the microscope, with large indoor venues being allowed to operate at 30% capacity. Outdoor events are currently being restricted at an almost identical rate, being allowed to operate at a maximum of 33% capacity. 

Although this is a far cry from the 10% maximum that was in place up until 19th May, this news from New York City Governor Andrew Cuomo has given hope to one of the world’s busiest hospitality hubs – as well as bringing hope to millions of people around the world.