Good news for the arts, entertainment and sports sectors.
Thanks to three consecutive days of zero community transmissions, the New South Wales government has announced that audiences will be able to return to the state’s largest theatres, cinemas and concert halls as well as sporting grounds from Thursday, October 1.
The lifting of restrictions will affect venues like the Sydney Opera House and Capitol Theatre as well as Sydney’s three major stadiums – ANZ Stadium, the SCG and Bankwest Stadium – which comes at a perfect time for the NRL finals. However, community sports events will have their restrictions lifted as early as September 26, meaning that more than one parent will now be able to attend their kids’ sporting activity so long as physical distance can be maintained between people of different households.
Sydney’s theatre and live performance venues will see their audiences capped at 50% capacity or at 1000 people. Corporate events are also moving forward so long as Covid safety measures can be guaranteed and audiences capped at 300-seated guests.
Most large venues have so far been unable to reopen due to the economic constraints and potential economic gains not outweighing the cost of doing business. Subsequently, the recent news that restrictions are being lifted is music to the ears of all people involved in these industries who are now able to get back to work. NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin stated, “for workers across the full spectrum of the performing arts – from box office staff to ushers, from technicians and roadies to the artists – this change means more jobs.”
It’s also good news for the state’s economy, as it attempts to bounce back and revitalise the arts and entertainment sectors that would normally attract large numbers of visitors to the city and state.
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(Featured image: msdeegan is licensed under CC BY 2.0)