COLUMBUS – More than a dozen performing arts groups, from the Columbus Symphony to Shadowbox Live, will require audience members to provide proof COVID-19 vaccination and wear masks.
Beginning October 8, the participating organizations will require all patrons, staff, and volunteers to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend indoor events and performances.
All persons will be required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status.
In a joint statement, the group said the precautions are critical to theaters remaining open and organizations keeping up with their fall schedules.
Performing arts organizations requiring proof of vaccination:
- BalletMet
- Chamber Music Columbus
- Chamber Music Connection
- CAPA (including Broadway in Columbus)
- Columbus Children’s Theatre
- Columbus Symphony
- CATCO
- Drexel Theatre
- Jazz Arts Group
- King Arts Complex
- Lincoln Theatre Association
- Opera Columbus
- ProMusica Chamber Orchestra
- Shadowbox Live
- Short North Stage
- Select performances at the Jeanne B. McCoy Center for the Arts.
Source: Columbus Association for the Performing Arts
The policy requires anyone entering an event to either show proof of being fully vaccinated with an Astra Zeneca, J&J, Moderna, or Pfizer vaccine or a negative COVID test with their valid ticket and ID.
Audience members under 12 are not required to provide proof of a negative test but are required to wear masks.
Increasing cases among youngsters
Central Ohio is seeing an uptick in pediatric COVID-19 cases as well as other respiratory viruses, according to officials at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
The hospital reported the average number of patients admitted with COVID-19 increased by 15% over last week and that 96 % of its patients age 12 and over were unvaccinated.
The hospital says the growing number of COVID-19 and RSV cases, combined with staffing challenges, have put a strain on emergency rooms and urgent care centers.
Congressman tests positive
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Akron) has tested positive for COVID-19 despite being vaccinated against the virus.
The Democrat says in a statement that he is experiencing mild symptoms from his breakthrough case and will continue to quarantine from his northeast Ohio home.
The statement adds Ryan will continue to fulfill his congressional duties virtually until he can return to Washington.
The 47-year-old lawmaker and candidate for U.S. Senate joins the list of more than 80 members of Congress who have contracted the virus since it began to spread in the U.S. in March 2020. That’s according to an Associated Press analysis.