The world-famous Rockettes have been forced to cancel the remainder of their Christmas Spectacular shows at Radio City Music Hall after production members were hit with COVID-19 on Friday as cases in New York City continue to climb.
In news that has cast a distinctive chill over New York City, producers announced that the final curtain had fallen for the $100-million-a-season show.
A press release said that “We are sorry to announce that the Christmas Spectacular will be discontinued this year due to the increasing threats from the pandemic.”
Rockettes are a holiday tradition that has been enjoyed by children and adults alike since 1933. However, the virus resurgence and new Omicron variant have meant that they will not soon be able return to the stage.
Nearly eighty percent of COVID testing come back positive, Jay Varma (senior public health advisor for Mayor Bill de Blasio) stated that the positivity rate has increased from 3.9 to 7.8 percent between December 9 and December 12.
Kathy Hochul of New York, governor, stressed on Friday that she didn’t intend to enforce another lockdown. Instead, her job was to protect both New Yorkers and their economy.
She suggested that tourists continue visiting New York City, the largest in America, and encouraged New Yorkers to carry on their normal lives, although they should be vaccinated, boosted and adhere to mask regulations.
Bars and restaurants – which were the barometers for the city’s vitality and health – took matters into their hands, closing their doors. Many said that they had to close because they didn’t have enough staff members.
In the face of rising COVID concerns, New Yorkers were left without a calendar as they hoped to be socially active on one of the busiest weekends of the year.
On Friday morning, Rockettes production staff announced it would be cancelling Friday’s show.
They announced that they regretted to inform the public that Friday’s four scheduled shows had been cancelled due to COVID-19 breakthroughs.
MSG Entertainment issued a statement saying, “We are sorry for this inconvenience and will announce future shows as quickly as possible.”
Later, they announced that all of the shows would be cancelled.
Following the revelation of COVID-19 cases, Friday’s Christmas Spectacular show at Radio City Music Hall by The Rockettes was cancelled.
After cancellations of Rockettes’ performance because of COVID-19, people talk to Radio City Music Hall staff
An image shows that the Rockettes’ performance was cancelled due to COVID-19.
It is an unfortunate blow for the theatre business.
Although it was not clear how many tickets were sold, the theatre could hold almost 6,000 people and had four shows per day.
In 2019, the show’s eight-week run grossed about $100 million. The show was cancelled in 2020.
Broadway opened only for business in September. Broadway hopes to be able to reopen for Christmas this year, to help make up for the damage done by 2020 and 2021.
CNBC reported that tourists make up 65 percent of Broadway ticket revenue in an average year.
The city also benefits from the large number of tourists who spend on transport, food, and hotels.
These travelers may be discouraged from purchasing tickets if there are frequent cancellations during peak season.
Each canceled performance of a $1,000,000 show would result in a loss approximately $125,000.
COVID has not only affected the Christmas Spectacular, but many other productions as well.
After a lengthy run, major Broadway musicals such as Hamilton, Moulin Rouge The Musical and Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Ain’t Too Proud had to be shut down this week.ABC 7 News reports that at least one cast member or crew member tested positive for this virus.
Radio City Rockettes is the oldest precision dancing company in America.
They were founded in St. Louis in 1925 and have been performing at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan ever since.
It features 140 performers plus an original musical score. The show is 90 minutes long and includes humor, singing, dancing and traditional scenes.
This popular show has been performing since 1933, when it was presented live on stage by the Music Hall along with Hollywood’s latest feature films.
According to the statement, tickets purchased for Friday shows at 11 AM, 2 PM, 5PM, 6PM, and 8 PM will be refunded at their original place of purchase.
There were many disappointed fans outside getting their refunds. One tourist even broke down crying on the street because of his frustration.
Fox 5 reported that she felt like “it just feels like” we are back at the beginning of the pandemic.
“I feel like there is no place to go, that’s safe, and the shows are constantly being cancelled.”
Tickets purchased for Friday shows at 11am, 2pm or 5pm will be refunded to the point of purchase.
Following cancellations of The Rockettes’ performance because of COVID-19, many people stand before Radio City Music Hall
After Friday’s cancellation of The Christmas Spectacular, a woman gets emotional in front Radio City Music Hall
This cancellation follows a city announcement that they would send inspectors to Radio City Music Hall after reports claimed the venue wasn’t following the vaccine rule for children aged 5-11 years.
To gain access to restaurants, theatres, and other public entertainment venues in the city of New York City, children must have proof of at-least one dose of COVID-19.
Mayor Bill de Blasio stated that everyone must follow the mandate. It is a complex mandate, but it is a simple one.
New York City is a possible Omicron outbreak location.
Long lines are currently being seen across all five boroughs as people wait to get tested, despite the city being 81.5 percent fully-vaccinated, with 16.5 percent of residents also having their booster.
People who are not vaccinated are particularly affected by the surge. Data from cities shows that 804.46 people out of 100,000 tested positive for the disease during week ended December 5, almost doubling the 415.99 cases per 100,000 seen a week before.
Data from the city show that 96.11% of all 100,000 residents were positive for vaccines during this week.
Official data shows that 53.75 COVID cases are now being registered in the city for every 100,000 people every day. This is a 26% increase on the 42.59 number reported two days ago.
Varma, de Blasio’s advisor also stated that 7.8 per cent of Covid test results in the city came back positive on 12/12, a double increase over the previous figure of 3.9 percent.
It will take approximately a week for us to determine if these are Omicron and Delta viruses strains. However, the cases in America’s most dense city are increasing at an unprecedented rate.
Omicron has been identified as the cause of 13% of COVID-related infections in NYC, New Jersey and nearby areas. That figure is significantly higher than the average national rate of four percent.
The two states have now been designated the epicenter for COVID USA for the second year. They will also provide insight to the US about what’s to come over the next few weeks.
The surge comes 11 days before the strict mandates de Blasio announced earlier in December go into effect, on December 27. It also occurs days after a new state mask order was implemented on Monday.
Hochul advised vigilance, but stressed that there wasn’t any reason to panic on Friday.
While she stated that Delta was the most dominant in New York, Omicron numbers were rapidly increasing and were probably under-reported.
According to her, ‘This is a fast-growing virus, but not as deadly,’ MSNBC reported.
“So, while my top priority is to ensure the health and well-being of New Yorkers, I am also committed to protecting the economic health.
“Our economy, the epicenter of our economic activity took such a big hit. People can live their normal lives if they have been vaccinated.
She stated that she wants people to keep doing their regular activities and encouraging tourists.
“I don’t want to see this economy shut down again. It was so difficult. It was so painful.
Kathy Hochul (the governor of New York) said Friday that she does not wish to go back to 2020 lockdowns
Hochul spoke at a time when the virus was raging in New York City and the state.
Broadway faces a crisis before the holiday season after many of its shows were cancelled due to dramatic increases in cast cases and staff injuries
As Broadway’s shows are reopened to live audiences, the Richard Rogers Theater hosts the Hamilton first-ever return performance.
The musical Ms. Doubtfire was about to make its Broadway debut before Broadway announced that they would be cancelling some of their upcoming performances.
Hochul said, “I don’t want this artificial suppression based upon fear. When we are in far better places than we were months ago, with the tools and the weapon that we need – which is the booster shot in particular.
Broadway’s closings: What are they for Broadway?
Broadway started to recover slowly after a year and half following the pandemic. This effectively closed down New York City’s theater district.
New York City is the capital of culture and arts, Mayor Bill de Blasio declared about Broadway’s reopening this September.
People love Broadway. Broadway opens and runs a lot about New York City.
“And tonight, a lot Broadway is returning…I can sense the revival of the city’s life.”
But, productions soon began to receive full audiences on September 14. They either quickly ceased operations or went on to experience the financial effects of this pandemic in the live performance sector.
Aladdin cancelled its September 29 performance, just a day after the public was finally allowed to buy tickets.
Chicken and Biscuits was another show that followed the lead and closed earlier due to financial hardships from the pandemic.
On September 14, 14 years before Omicron, the Omicron coronavirus swept the U.S.A., the shows started to welcome the audiences again at their full capacity.
These cancellations are not only frustrating for audiences but costly to producers who already struggle to make money in an industry that has seen more shows fail than succeed even before the outbreak.
Each canceled performance of a $1,000,000 show would result in a loss approximately $125,000.
Weekend cancellations are more difficult due to the general trend of smaller rooms and less availability on these days. Due to Broadway’s tradition of a high number of audiences, cancellations around holidays are more expensive.
Chicago and Wicked, Broadway’s longest-running shows, have stopped selling tickets after they cancelled their shows in the past few months because of cases of COVID-19 between members of both production houses.
Broadway established strict COVID-19 safety and health guidelines in response to city guidelines.
The majority of shows can only be attended by fully vaccinated individuals. In theaters, masks will need to be worn. Performers and employees alike must also be vaccinated.
‘We can’t — and we won’t — go back to where we were 21 months ago.
We have the resources to defeat this virus. Use a mask. Get vaccinated. Get your booster if you are fully vaccinated.
Hochul explained that it wasn’t about closing down, but taking preventative measures.
She stressed the fact that any establishment outside New York City who does not wish to require vaccinations could enforce mask mandates.
“We’re trying to make a new standard,” she stated.
“Stay at your place of worship, work, or school, but wear a mask and, if possible, a booster shot.
She stated that there was “very unfortunately” resistance between 8-10% of New Yorkers.
“The surge has arrived, it will get worse, and we know that it will get worse after Christmas.
“We witnessed a 70% increase in the number of cases between Thanksgiving and two weeks after that. The same will occur again.
“But it doesn’t have to be that way. It is possible to prevent this from happening.
New York has significantly more vaccinations than the national average.
Her state’s adult population is 93.9 percent, with 81.6% of residents having had at least one shot. Nationally, 77.1% of those over 5 receive at least one shot.
However, despite Hochul’s efforts to preserve the economy and city, serious problems have still plagued the state.
Bars and restaurants aren’t being closed, however, many are closing due to staff illness or customer dissatisfaction.
In Manhattan, the popular wine bars Grape & Grain, La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels and Kindred all announced they were closing – some just for Friday night, others for a week – due to outbreaks among staff.
Pheasant, a modern American restaurant in Brooklyn, was closed Wednesday by an employee who had tested positive for HIV.
Cat Alexander was the original owner and said that she was stunned by the rapid shutters closing down across the entire city.
According to The New York Times, she said that it felt like it took three days.
There were questions about whether or not the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebrations could be continued as planned.
If you want to see K.T., all those who attend must show proof of ID. Tunstall’s performance will require proof of ID and vaccination, despite it being outside.
Last year, spectators were prohibited from the event area. It was instead held online.
New York is not the only state facing an increase in COVID cases.
Connecticut has one of America’s highest levels of vaccinations at 74 percent.
In recent weeks, the state’s COVID situation has spiraled out of control.
The number of new cases has increased 162 percent in the last two weeks. 72 people out of 100,000 are testing positive every day for the virus.
The highest rate of COVID in America is currently at Rhode Island, where 99 percent of the 100,000 people tested positive each day. This increase has been 63 percent since the last two weeks.
With 75 percent of its residents being fully jabbed, it is the state with the highest vaccination rate in America.
Vermont has 76 per cent of all residents who are fully immunized, making it the most vaccined state in America. The state has been experiencing an increase in its vaccination rates, with approximately 69 people being infected for every 100,000.
The vaccine has helped to keep deaths low in each of these states despite the recent surge in cases.
Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire have also been hit by cases.
According to Dr Chris Thompson of Loyola University of Maryland’s infectious disease expertise, ‘I believe the only thing it can boil down to are behaviors and waning immune system’. Thompson spoke out about increasing rates of infection in high-vaccinated countries.
“So, the boosters can help overcome the waning immune system and it is up to us as individuals to be vigilant about the behaviors of handwashing and masking, social ditancing and testing, vaccinations, and other such things.
‘[There are]There are also lower temperatures so it is likely that people gather indoors more often. This can help spread Omicron.
Fauci says we might need to be less restrictive but warns, however Christmas parties can go ahead …. at the moment: The COVID Czar asserts people should feel comfortable attending gatherings when they are properly vaccinated.
Doctor Anthony Fauci, an infectious disease specialist, told Americans that they can feel “reasonably comfortable” at holidays if they have been vaccinated.
But he also hedged his remarks amid the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, and urged people to take masking precautions in indoor settings – while not ruling out advising a more restrictive approach.
Fauci stated that if you’re vaccinated or your family is vaccinated as well, and you’ve got friends who have been vaccinated (hopefully also booster), you can still enjoy social gatherings in your home. CNBC’sWhen asked Friday morning if holiday events should be attended, ‘Sqwalk Box’ responded.
Fauci stated, “You have to be cautious when entering large indoor public spaces where there are many people. That’s why you need to wear a mask in those situations.”
According to him, the most recent data about the status of the virus’s play should serve as a guide.
Anthony Fauci explained that Americans who received booster shots this holiday season should be able to enjoy an enjoyable time at family gatherings, despite the rapid growth of the omicron variant.
“But you need to keep up with what’s happening. He said that if the numbers keep rising and test positives continue to rise, then we might need to restrict their access. For now though, people who have had their vaccinations and boosters should feel comfortable. There is always a risk, but it’s not impossible to be safe.
Fauci was President Joe Biden’s coronavirus adviser.
At a White House briefing on Friday, Rochelle Walensky from the Centers for Disease Control stated that there are approximately 119,000 cases per day in America. According to her, the Omicron variant has been reported in at least 39 countries and states.
According to her, hospitalizations rose 4 percentage points in seven-days average compared with a week earlier.
According to Rochelle Walensky, Centers for Disease Control’s head of the Centers for Disease Control Friday at a White House briefing, there are about 119,000 cases per day in America.
New Yorkers are lining up to undergo covid testing in the face of an influx in cases
Fauci, speaking on CNBC, spoke about new restrictions
Fauci stated that the country is facing both an Omicron surge as well as the spread of the Delta variant.
‘We are now facing a very important delta surge and we are looking over our shoulder at an oncoming omicron surge,” he said.
“Clearly unvaccinated persons… have a very high chance of being involved in serious illness, even hospitalization.”
He said regulators are open to redefining what it means to be fully vaccinated – amid a collection of data showing the critical nature of booster shots to fending off Omicron.
While Delta remains the most prevalent virus strain, data from New York where Omicron is increasing have revealed that case numbers are almost doubling every other day.