Broadway to Close?- Page 6

[PrinceAli]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:04pm

If that happens, cap each show at 500 or whatever the ban is and leave the rest up to the people. If you want to go... then go and enjoy. 

[Georgeanddot2]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:05pm

Hand out gloves and masks at the Broadway theaters.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:09pm

Yeah, because medical workers aren't in short supply of masks already? Open your eyes and stop being ignorant. Thousands of people have died and will die from this and they are slowly shutting everything down. 

Get a clue. 

[A0326T]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:12pm

PrinceAli said: "If that happens, cap each show at 500 or whatever the ban is and leave the rest up to the people. If you want to go... then go and enjoy."

How a big budget show will survive financially if they cap at 500? Unless each ticket be a high premium price.

Sadly this coronavirus is real. Home health nurses here in Chicago are sending elderly patients because of fear and with symptoms like fever, malaise, cough and shortness of breath,  all hell will break loose. 

 

 

[JennH]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:13pm

AlanB3 said: "Georgeanddot2 said: "I can't help but feel that this Coronavirus will be a whole lot of nothing that will propel us into a full blown recession and destroy the American economy and the lives of many people for a few years."

A whole lot of nothing? I'm sorry, but I cannot understand how someone could feel that way given the information that we have. Read any first-person report from healthcare professionals and they tell the true story of how dire the situation. is about to become for so many cities and people.

Entire countries have shut down entirely. Hospitals in Italy right now (that have a much better bed to citizen ratio than the US) are literally having to deny care to people because they are overwhelmed. AP is reporting Italy today announced that only pharmacies and grocery stores can be open. Every other store must close.

Imagine the decimation to the world and US economy if we don't take extreme preventative action now. Major conventions, huge sporting events (like March Madness), and so many other examples would not be shutting down as they are if this was "a whole lot of nothing.""

The concern everyone has is perfectly valid. The problem is, there have been many articles from professionals in this area, virologists, pandemic experts, etc. all saying different things. What are we supposed to believe then? Media makes it's money from confusion and hype. I'll repeat, the concern is valid, there IS an issue to be addressed but no one, whether it's employers, those in gov't, you name it, seems be addressing this correctly. No one seems to know what the heck they're doing. 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:15pm

Some random thoughts.......

I mentioned in another thread that my grandfather (age 54) and uncle (age 18) died in the 1918 Spanish Influenza Pandemic.  More than a century later, my family still mourne the loss of these loved ones.

In three weeks I am having heart surgery.  My cardiologist has been with me dating back ten years when I survived a heart attack.  This week when we met to discuss the upcoming surgery, he told me:  "Go home and take care of yourself, then come back and we will take care of you".   That's what we should do, I guess; try to take care of ourselves and of each other as best we can.

Just now on MSNBC, a contributor said that waving has become the new handshaking.  Wave hello and goodbye to others.  She said her son said:  "Catch a wave, not the coronavirus". 

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:16pm

Fosse76 said: "A0326T said: "Oh no.

I hope they do 6 shows a week all evenings. Then thorough clean during the day.

So many people will be affected."

The deep cleaning will help (but I wouldn't count of any real deep cleaning measures from the cleaning staff at most of the Shubert-owned houses). But the staff were exposed to an infected usher, and who knows if any of them are infected. technically, they should all be quarantined since that's supposed to be the protocol."

Actually you are wrong about the Shubert staff. I know people who work for them and they are on top of it as far as cleaning and interaction with the public.

 

[AlanB3]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:25pm

Late-Night Shows in New York Will Tape Without Audiences Due to Coronavirus

https://www.vulture.com/2020/03/late-night-shows-nyc-coronavirus.html

[Erzlump]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:26pm

Alright, I did not want to get into all this but I just need to say this:

The biggest problem in situations like this is always people. It is not like the Spanish flu/ebola/the plague is at our doorstep. Coronaviruses have been around for ages (dogs and cats, for example, are often vaccinated against them). Yes, this virus is a new form of a coronavirus and we are all very aware of it, but it is not as bad as the constant media onslaught makes you think it is. Coronaviruses, recent studies suggest, make up for about 15% of all respiratory infection people encounter - so far we did not deem that number high enough to even develop human vaccines as influenza/the common flu is much more prevalent and just about as dangerous. 

So, let's talk Italy: 

"But the virus is taking a disproportionate toll on the elderly in Italy, which has the oldest population in Europe, and the second-oldest in the world after Japan." (NYT, March 4, 2020)

This is why the virus is so dangerous in Italy. People are flooding the hospitals with any kinds of symptoms these days and all kinds of people, too - not just the old folks and the people with other preexisting conditions that can complicate things. This flood of people is what makes hospitals turn people away, telling them to stay at home in bed with a good pot of soup. Which is the only thing necessary to do in cases like these, really.

Another big problem with the panic is this: People buy stuff they don't need (massive amounts of disinfectant, face masks, gloves) - taking them away from the professionals (think doctors) that do need them to uphold regulations of hygiene and personal safety - forcing them to close down until they can restock these items. As soon as people heard that there was a confirmed case in a city near us, they started buying out whole supermarket shelves of food and soap - this is not necessary. 

Any healthy, (semi-)young person should get through an infection with 'only' just as much trouble as they'd have to get over the flu. Yes, it sucks sure - but calling a theatre and demanding to know who worked when, where and how is not the way to go about this. 

If you think you cannot enjoy a show, stay at home. Do not sit in a theatre and regret not being able to enjoy it. Or you go, chances are more than good that you will be fine. No matter the decision I urge people to do the following:

1. Stay calm - Do not give in to the panic.

2. Wash your hands 

3. Sneeze and cough into your elbow, not the hands, please. 

4. Do not buy things you don't need. Having a pantry of food is always a good idea but you do not need boxes and boxes full of noodles, rice and disinfectant. 

 

I, for my part, do hope that Jordan goes to see SIX and enjoys it. I hear it's a very good show :) 

Updated On: 3/11/20 at 06:26 PM

[Princeton2]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:30pm

Georgeanddot2 said: "songanddanceman2 said: "Georgeanddot2 said: "I can't help but feel that this Coronavirus will be a whole lot of nothing that will propel us into a full blown recession and destroy the American economy and the lives of many people for a few years."

A whole lot of nothing? Tell that to all the dead , tell that to Italy"

Maybe because I can recall the the swine flu and Ebola "outbreaks" and we all braced for impact and it wasn't nearly as bad as anticipated.

I also remember the AIDS crisis though too....

I should say "I HOPE" this turns out to be a whole lot of nothing here in the US."

Well I remember those too, as most people probably do as they weren't that long ago. This is already different and spreading globally. Up until today I was more keep calm and carry on, and while I'm not panicking there is clearly something to be concerned about here. The situation in Italy is especially grave.

With so many on here being so flippant about it and more concerned with seeing a show rather than public safety, I'm.beginning to wonder what is being (or not being) reported in the USA.

You cant leave it to individuals to decide whether to go to theatre or other events as everyone has a different view of 'feeling fine'. plus you can carry and spread it without knowing you have it.

[jonah3500]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:32pm

From BroadwayDirect:
“Hi Jonah,

Thank you for being our valued patron. We feel it is our responsibility to inform you that an employee at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, who worked outside guiding patrons to the security lines on Tuesday, February 25 and Sunday, March 1 only, has tested positive for COVID-19. This employee had limited to no physical contact with patrons and showed no signs of illness when working.

Please call your doctor immediately if you believe you had a “close contact” with a line expeditor at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre who might have been exhibiting symptoms of Coronavirus (which generally track flu-like symptoms). The CDC has described “close contact” with an infected person as actual physical contact with infectious secretions of a person (e.g. being coughed or sneezed on), or being within six feet of a person for a prolonged period of time (e.g. twenty minutes or more).

The Brooks Atkinson Theatre, immediately upon learning of this situation, engaged a professional cleaning and disinfection company to thoroughly sanitize the areas which this employee may have accessed. Out of an abundance of caution, the same company will return tomorrow morning, March 12, to clean and disinfect the entire theatre.

Please continue to monitor your own health and well being extremely diligently, including ensuring that you follow all best practices when it comes to personal hygiene (e.g. frequent, 20 second hand washing, coughing in to a cloth or a tissue, etc.).

Broadway Direct will continue to provide updates as additional information is available. See updates.

Stay well, and we look forward to seeing you again soon on Broadway.”

[ArtMan]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:32pm

Highland Guy said: "Some random thoughts.......

I mentioned in another thread that my grandfather (age 54) and uncle (age 18) died in the 1918 Spanish Influenza Pandemic. More than a century later, my family still mourne the loss of these loved ones.

In three weeks I am having heart surgery. My cardiologist has been with me dating back ten years when I survived a heart attack. This week when we met to discuss the upcoming surgery, he told me: "Go home and take care of yourself, then come back and we will take care of you". That's what we should do, I guess; try to take care of ourselves and of each other as best we can.

Just now on MSNBC, a contributor said that waving has become the new handshaking. Wave hello and goodbye to others. She said her son said: "Catch a wave, not the coronavirus".

"

Wishing you a speedy and safe recovery after your surgery.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:36pm

Erzlump said: "Alright, I did not want to get into all this but I just need to say this:

The biggest problem in situations like this is always people. It is not like the Spanish flu/ebola/the plagueis at our doorstep. Coronaviruses have been around for ages (dogs and cats, for example, are oftenvaccinated against them). Yes, this virus is anew form of a coronavirus and we are all very aware of it, but it is not as bad as the constant media onslaught makes you think it is. Coronaviruses, recent studies suggest, make up for about 15% of allrespiratoryinfection people encounter - so far we did not deem that number high enough to even develop human vaccines as influenza/the common flu is much more prevalent and just about as dangerous.

So, let's talk Italy:

"But the virus is taking a disproportionate toll on the elderly in Italy, which has the oldest population in Europe, and the second-oldest in the world after Japan." (NYT, March 4, 2020)

This is why the virus is so dangerous in Italy. People are flooding the hospitals with any kinds of symptoms these days and all kinds of people, too - not just the old folks and the people with other preexisting conditions that can complicate things. This flood of people is what makes hospitals turn people away, telling them to stay at homein bed with a good pot of soup. Which is the only thing necessary to do in cases like these,really.

Another big problem with the panic is this: People buy stuff they don't need (massive amounts of disinfectant, face masks, gloves) - taking them away from the professionals(think doctors)that do need them to upholdregulations of hygiene and personal safety - forcing them to close down until they can restock these items. As soon as people heard that there was a confirmed case in a city near us, they started buying out whole supermarket shelves of food and soap - this is not necessary.

Anyhealthy, (semi-)young person should get through an infection with 'only'just as much trouble as they'd have to get over the flu. Yes, it sucks sure - but calling a theatre and demanding to know who worked when, where and how is not the way to go about this.

If you think you cannot enjoy a show, stay at home. Do not sit in a theatre and regret not being able to enjoy it. Or you go, chances are more than good thatyou will be fine. No matter the decision I urge people to do the following:

1. Stay calm - Do not give in to the panic.

2. Wash your hands

3. Sneeze and cough into your elbow, not the hands, please.

4. Do not buy things you don't need. Having a pantry of food is always a good idea but you do not need boxes and boxes full of noodles, rice and disinfectant.


I, for my part,do hope that Jordan goes to see SIX and enjoys it. I hear it's a very good show :)"

 

This  times 1000!    You win the prize for most sensible post of the day.

 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:43pm

ArtMan said: "Wishing you a speedy and safe recovery after your surgery."

 

Thank you! 

Went grocery shopping this morning and the shelves were completely bare of TP, paper towels and Kleenex.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:48pm

Highland Guy said: "ArtMan said: "Wishing you a speedy and safe recovery after your surgery."



Thank you!

Went grocery shopping this morning and the shelves were completely bare of TP, paper towels and Kleenex."

The shelves at multiple Target and Walmart have been barren in my city for over a week now.  I use Clorox wipes and Lysol sprays on a regular basis, due to being a clean freak.  Has nothing to do with purchasing for coronavirus.  Haven't had a problem with toilet paper or paper towels though.  But I need my Clorox wipes.  I go through a 3 pack on a weekly basis.

[A0326T]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:49pm

Erzlump said: "Alright, I did not want to get into all this but I just need to say this

So, let's talk Italy:

"But the virus is taking a disproportionate toll on the elderly in Italy, which has the oldest population in Europe, and the second-oldest in the world after Japan." (NYT, March 4, 2020)

This is why the virus is so dangerous in Italy. People are flooding the hospitals with any kinds of symptoms these days and all kinds of people, too - not just the old folks and the people with other preexisting conditions that can complicate things. This flood of people is what makes hospitals turn people away, telling them to stay at homein bed with a good pot of soup. Which is the only thing necessary to do in cases like these,really.

Another big problem with the panic is this: People buy stuff they don't need (massive amounts of disinfectant, face masks, gloves) - taking them away from the professionals(think doctors)that do need them to upholdregulations of hygiene and personal safety - forcing them to close down until they can restock these items. As soon as people heard that there was a confirmed case in a city near us, they started buying out whole supermarket shelves of food and soap .

1. Stay calm - Do not give in to the panic.

2. Wash your hands

3. Sneeze and cough into your elbow, not the hands, please.

4. Do not buy things you don't need. Having a pantry of food is always a good idea but you do not need boxes and boxes full of noodles, rice and disinfectant.
 

There is more to the above. Thank you.

I work here as a home health nurse (Chicago) and i am aware that we do overact and family will push for ER visits, no matter what, and it will overwhelm the hospital when you need is stay home and let quarantine period pass. 

But this is of different time. We panic. And social media and people feels it is better to be in hospital than at home recovering. We are a nation of instant gratification and antibiotics. 

And this corona is virus.  Like a common cold. If testing becomes available, i am sure the positive results will be astronomical.  

Healthcare providers and workers will all be positive. Just checking one's tonsils and saying "Ahhh" there is that direct face to face flow of air through the Md or nurses' face.

What gives?

[littlemouse921]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 6:50pm

If the worst does happen and theatres are forced to close, now would be as good a time as any to record some shows with the empty houses. It could help make some sort of return on investment in the long run.

Wishful thinking, but it could be nice.

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 7:01pm

Mr Roxy said: "In the grand scheme of things does it matter. Media has hyped this to the the point of scaring people to death

It is serious but is the cure worse than the disease ? We will.be staring at four walls 24/7 Every time someone gets it it warrants a special.news flash. Like it or not Trump saved lives by immediately banning travel.to and from China. We are throwing the baby out with the bath water

NYC is in deep crap and it is getting worse by the day. Broadway will.be never be the same after the dust settles. Get used to it. The coming days will bring premature closings. My wife and I went cold turkey and life goes on without it."

Look, this is more than just serious.  In the last 24 hours, 200 Italians have died from this virus.
That's 24 hours.  200 Italians.

This is going to get worse by the day.

No one is suggesting we stare at four walls forever.  

And yes, the state can close down gatherings in a public health emergency.  The state has the right to quarantine people even.
 

 

Updated On: 3/11/20 at 07:01 PM

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 7:05pm

But what are the ages of the 200?

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 7:10pm

SouthernCakes said: "But what are the ages of the 200?"

Will endeavor to try to find out for you.

But what''s the average age of a typical Broadway audience?

 

Updated On: 3/11/20 at 07:10 PM

[tourboi]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 7:23pm

BroadwaySF has halted HAMILTON and THE LAST SHIP until March 25. Wow.

[Maximilia]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 7:38pm

The Swedish Government has today shut down any event (sports, theatre, concerts, gatherings, ANYthing) that has more than 500 in the audience. This goes for the whole country (not very big, but still). Same with Norway and Denmark, in Denmark all schools/kindergartens/universities will be closed for at least two weeks as well.

[AlanB3]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 7:43pm

This article offers a reasonable, measured overview of what is happening and what is likely going to occur.

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/where-do-you-go-if-you-get-coronavirus/607759/

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 7:46pm

This is why the virus is so dangerous in Italy. People are flooding the hospitals with any kinds of symptoms these days and all kinds of people, too - not just the old folks and the people with other preexisting conditions that can complicate things. This flood of people is what makes hospitals turn people away, telling them to stay at home in bed with a good pot of soup. Which is the only thing necessary to do in cases like these, really.
 

Have you read posts by Italian doctors? They aren't turning away mild cases or people who can recover at home. They are turning away very sick elderly people or people with co-morbidities because they don't have enough resources to treat them and need to focus on people with the best chance of recovery. This is absolutely overwhelming their healthcare system and it's not because of an overabundance of caution.

We need to practice social distancing right now because it won't prevent the epidemic, but it can help our healthcare system have less of a burden. Flatten the curve, as they're saying.

Updated On: 3/11/20 at 07:46 PM

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 3/11/20 at 7:50pm

Erzlump - Excellent post !! My wife is a nurse and thank you for caring about the medical professionals !!