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In a move that has some singing and dancing, Broadway is ending its mask mandate July 1, at least for a month to test the waters.

The trade association representing New York City’s theater industry announced Tuesday that starting next week, face coverings will no longer be required of patrons in July.

The association said it would be revisiting the decision on a monthly basis for now. A decision regarding masking protocols in August would be announced mid-July.


  The decision will be reviewed on a monthly basis. Getty Images The decision will be reviewed on a monthly basis. Getty Images

All 41 Broadway theaters agreed to adopt a masking-optional policy, according to The Broadway League.

“We’re thrilled to welcome even more of our passionate fans back to Broadway,” said Charlotte St. Martin, the president of the league, in a statement.

A requirement that audience members show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 was lifted at the end of May.

The Big Apple’s COVID-19 rates have dropped since January’s Omicron peak, with the latest 7-day positivity rate just under 8% according to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, down from a whopping 35% at the start of the year. 

But the numbers are still higher than this time last year, when the city’s 7-day positivity measured a mere 0.5%.

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