Theatergoers Perspective of B'way Return - NY Times

Oct 19, 2021 NY Times "Broadway is Back; What It's Like for Theatergoers."  NY Times offers "gift" links which do not require subscription.     

One woman said she paid $167 for PCR test for her child to get into Disney show.  What happened to free testing?

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/19/theater/live-performance-coronavirus.html?unlocked_article_code=AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEIPuonUktbfqohlSFUaCibJXdUushCcwvzO3rF5nnLkIi-PTD9ExOlQCI-a_EHEe6t5esB13yieQJUJFo4Tc8FI770VOV1xGU7vq4GYmZ8BLmJlpI_oDzxq09eVUL41tGLhPjP8eLp2nPjk50rXOmTgCKWPhHIxNU0y98seAFKh2XUJz6zOEPckmYUtmKd8We0pAGsIdyKIvPH3CxxhO9zgbxrU6AM-W-gxSiiE1JfHqOpGKFMOfAqAGHBv4m886MdfOMcVPsv9LB0hesn9gdYBG_YHN5X17ihWHeuIrw7zKaY&smid=url-share

From the NYT article: 

"Many theatergoers are happy to be back. Amy Ferreira, 46, of Millbury, Mass., said she had to pay roughly $167 for a PCR coronavirus test for her 10-year-old daughter, Eva, before coming to New York, but that it was worth it to see “Hamilton.” It was Eva’s birthday, and her family had gotten tickets months ago. Together, they had watched the Disney+ version many times, and Eva was singing the chorus to “My Shot.”"

In Times Sq area alone there are 2-3 covid testing vans (by Lion King, by 47th st, and by 44th st) and all are free. All they ask is a government ID and email/phone.

I agree $167 is pricey but the mother was ok with the price.