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The live music business in Japan, which has felt the effects of the coronavirus pandemic since February, could be up and running without capacity restrictions from August 1, although social distancing requirements will remain in place. Japan ended its state of emergency at the end of May, laying out plans for the country’s gradual reopening, including those for “mass gatherings.”
According to an estimate by entertainment service provider Pia, by the time of lifting the state of emergency, around 150,000 concerts had been cancelled in Japan, with a loss of 330 billion yen (€2.7 bn). Concerts are now allowed to take place with up to 100 attendees at indoor venues and up to 200 if held outdoors.
From June 19, the capacity limit will be increased to 1,000, further expanding to 5,00 from July 10.
If the virus has been kept under control by the start of August, the government may remove capacity limitations, effectively allowing shows of any size to take place.
However, in order to comply with social distancing rules, indoor venues should still operate at no more than 50% of usual capacity. Organisers of outdoor events are advised to ensure a distance of two metres is maintained between attendees and staff “if possible.”
In Tokyo, the government is asking smaller live music venues to remain closed until it has completed stage three of its reopening plan. Currently in phase two of reopening, the city is allowing events of up to 100 people take place in larger venues.
In March, dance music promoter Mindgames urged bars and nightclubs to shut their doors to prevent the spread of the virus as venues, particularly those in Tokyo, were identified as high-risk spaces.
IOWA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
G. Theaters and Performance Venues: Any theater or performance venue at which motion pictures are shown or live performances are held may reopen or remain open, but only to the extent that the theater complies with the following requirements:
(1) Social distancing: The theater or performance venue must ensure at least six feet of physical distance between each group or individual attending alone when seated in the theater.
(2) Other social distancing, hygiene, and public health measures: The theater shall also implement reasonable measures under the circumstances of each theater to ensure social distancing of employees and customers, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health and, for any food service, the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.
H. Race tracks: A speedway or race track, including a track conducting horse or dog races, may reopen or continue its operations, provided that the establishment complies with the following requirements:
(1) Social distancing: The establishment must ensure at least six feet of physical distance between each group or individual attending alone when seated.
(2) Other social distancing, hygiene, and public health measures: The establishment shall also implement reasonable measures under the circumstances of each establishment to ensure social distancing of employees and customers, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health and, for any food or beverage service, the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.
GEORGIA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Conventions of 100 or more people can begin July 1 subject to additional rules, such as screening guests for COVID-19 symptoms and staggering registration and gathering times.
Sports and live performance venues that hold less than 1,000 people will be subject to a number of restrictions, such as limiting people in all areas including private suites, and putting empty seats between patrons “to the extent practicable.” But the largest sports venues, which host more than 5,000 people, are subject only to the rules their professional, college or high school sports league has imposed. Kemp also says he’s suspending any other regulation which might prevent sports leagues from operating.
Drive-in performances where people stay in or near their cars aren’t subject to the performance venue rules.
MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL
On the heels of reopening its first three Las Vegas properties, MGM Resorts International announced it will add several of its resorts in the weeks ahead. Luxor and The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay Place will reopen on June 25 at 10 am PST. They will be followed by ARIA at 10 am PST, and Mandalay Bay, Four Seasons Las Vegas at 11 am PST on July 1.
“It was exciting and emotional to see the energy in Las Vegas last week as we welcomed back our employees and reopened our doors to guests for the first time in months,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ Acting CEO and President. “Our guests are having a great time and are thrilled to be back in the city they love. We are eager to get more of our employees back to work and enhance the Las Vegas experience with additional resorts.”
Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Four Seasons Las Vegas, and ARIA join Bellagio, MGM Grand and New York-New York, which opened earlier this month, and Excalibur, which is opened on June 11.
SWIFTEL CENTER
The Swiftel Center in Brookings, South Dakota, fully re-opened the facility to the public on Monday, June 8. In preparation, the administrative team has worked closely with the City of Brookings leadership and VenuWorks leadership as well as public health professionals at Brookings Health System to create a comprehensive health safety program based on the most effective health safety practices currently available.
The Swiftel Center actively strives to maintain a facility that provides a diverse, exceptional and positive guest experience including providing a clear and transparent safety program to our guests. It is crucial for all Swiftel Center services to meet and exceed health guidelines, continuing to provide “MIDWEST HOSPITALITY AT ITS BEST” and ensuring guests can come back with confidence.
MICHIGAN GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Indoor arcades, bowling alleys, cinemas, climbing facilities, convention centers, meeting halls, night clubs, performance spaces, sports arenas, theaters, outdoor concert spaces, race tracks, sports arenas, stadiums and similar venues re-opened Wednesday, June 10, in the Upper Peninsula and Traverse City Region.
Please share information about re-opening dates for public assembly venues by sending to rv.baugus@iavm.org.
