If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that the past 18 months have been an absolute nightmare. Our world has been flipped upside down and shaken up like a bartender mixing a drink. We are all eager to get back to normal life. And one of the ways that we have been seeing this attempt to return to normal is with in-person events. Postponed concerts and live shows are now restarting their engines and are ready to perform for their fans again. And their fans are ready too. However, the reintroduction of these events isn’t without restrictions and precautions. So let’s break down some of these new Covid-19 policies for live events that you will likely encounter should you decide to attend a concert or show in the near future.
As part of new Covid-19 safety protocols, many venues and tours are requiring either proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to the event. Additionally, many venues are requiring masks to be worn during the entirety of the event.
These new regulations were put into practice last Saturday at the American Airlines Center as Harry Styles took the stage here in Dallas. All who entered the event showed their vaccination card or a negative Covid test taken within 48hrs of the event. Masks were also enforced throughout the event.
Click here to read the American Airlines Center’s Covid policies.
Some venues, such as Madison Square Garden in New York city, are taking precautions a step further and requiring all attendees to be vaccinated; there is no option to show a negative test.
But just how effective will these new Covid-19 policies for live events be? Will these restrictions keep Covid-19 infection rates down among attendees? Or will Covid still run rampant in these inclosed arenas? What do the experts have to say?
When asked if concerts during Covid were safe to attend, infectious disease specialist Dr. Donald Dumford III said “With the new information we’re getting on the delta variant, I’m a little bit hesitant to say yes. […] Even people who have been vaccinated might still be able to spread the virus. If people choose to go to an indoor concert, they should wear masks in that location.” (Cleveland Clinic)
We can only hope that these measures will be enough to keep infection rates down so that these events can continue to tour, but only time will tell.
If you’re planning to attend a live event soon, make sure you are aware of all Covid-19 policies for live events at the venue you are attending. Be sure to check both the venue and host websites for regulations and policy before buying tickets.
Click here to see how Ticketmaster is encouraging different safety measures and precautions at venues.