New York's Carnegie Hall to Require Proof of Vaccination

The venue announced that everyone who enters the hall must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 with a WHO-approved vaccine

The announcement comes as similar organizations — like the Metropolitan Opera — have instituted similar requirements. The new rules come as COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many cities nationally, largely due to the highly transmissible Delta variant.

Carnegie Hall is continuing to examine "all aspects of the Carnegie Hall experience so that audiences, artists, visitors, staff, and volunteers are able to return with confidence," according to the organization's website.

They are working in close consultation with medical and public health experts to follow local, state, and national guidelines. Additional protocols for a return to in-person concerts for the 2021-2022 season include upgraded air filters and continued rigorous sanitation.

In its commitment to its audience members, Carnegie Hall emphasized that protocol may change, as the pandemic situation is constantly evolving, and the ticket policy will be more flexible in the upcoming season.

In advance of Carnegie Hall reopening in October, the organization is also working with arts consultants at WolfBrown on a study to gather audience feedback and provide guidance for a safe reopening.

According to findings so far, 97% of Carnegie Hall respondents were partially or fully vaccinated. Additionally, 28% of respondents said they would feel comfortable returning to live events in September or October, and 24% indicated that they are already attending in-person events. 92% expect to attend more or about the same amount of in-person cultural events as they did pre-pandemic.