The easing of restrictions in theaters and concert halls should begin this weekend, but has been postponed due to considerations about the accumulation of virus cases.
In addition, a mask will be required in museums, galleries and cinemas, required from 8 August.
Johnson said, “We just can’t take the risk.”
The government had been working with the arts sector on a pilot with socially remote audiences in theaters and music venues in recent weeks.
Jon Morgan, director of the Theatres Trust, said it’s “disappointing that live performances on social distances can’t happen” as planned.
“However, in reality, most cinemas planned to reopen for exhibitions tomorrow, so a two-week delay will make a big difference.
“Most theaters won’t produce productions until we succeed on the fifth level [of the roadmap for the return of the professional acting arts], allowing for a more complete audience, so this is the maximum critical date for much of the industry.”
Ken Wright, executive director of the Phoenix Arts Club in London, took a different view and said the government’s resolve to postpone the opening of cinemas less than a day in advance had “ripped the carpet under us.”
“We said we’d ‘open once and open up well.’ Therefore, with a heavy center and a damaged bank balance, we will have to announce that we will remain closed until we are sure that indoor displays are allowed,” he said. in a prayer. Statement.
Earlier this month, the government announced a $1.57 billion program for the arts, after weeks of advances in theaters, concert halls, art galleries and other cultural institutions, many of which said they were on the brink of collapse.
The government has also taken steps to “support the return of the public,” including:
The government also recently unveiled its “five-step roadmap for the return of the arts of professional performance,” which details through Mr. Dowden as follows:
In reaction to the delay, the Music Venue Trust said he was “sad but not surprised” to be informed that live music events scheduled for the coming weeks will have to be cancelled now.
“Since May 2020, the Music Venue Trust has continually informed the government that live music events in popular concert halls would be incredibly difficult to organize, would not be economically viable and threaten to cancel the existing pandemic in the short term,” he said in a statement.
“Several sites across the country have tried to organize such events on the basis of government advice, incurring really high prices to protect their sites. These expenses now add to the growing mountain of debt accumulated through those sites that operate in accordance with government guidelines.”
Acceptance as true reaffirmed his confidence that “no popular concert hall” will be able to “safely and viablely organize” concerts before October 1 “at the earliest”, and questioned the logic behind the new opening date proposed through the Prime Minister.
On the face mask, Bob Riley, executive director of the Manchester Camerata Orchestra, added: “Can you tell me why we want masks from August 8th… And not now?”
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