US Entertainment, Culture, and Sports All Stop Due to COVID-19

Broadway Musicals Halted Amid New York COVID-19 Surge
Major Cultural Venues Also Locked Down Simultaneously
Theme Parks Like Disneyland Suspend Operations

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] A red light has been turned on for the K-pop group BTS's concert in the United States. New York State and New Jersey State have banned large-scale gatherings, causing various cultural facilities and performance venues to close. Broadway musicals, known as a New York tourism attraction, have all been suspended. Famous amusement parks and major sports events have also been canceled, leading the U.S. cultural, entertainment, sports, and leisure sectors toward a serious crisis.

Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York State, announced at a press conference on the 12th (local time) that gatherings of more than 500 people would be banned to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Even facilities with a capacity of fewer than 500 must reduce the number of participants to around 250 during events.

According to this measure, starting immediately, New York's iconic Broadway musical theaters have temporarily suspended performances until April 12.

Major cultural facilities in Manhattan have also joined in closures or performance suspensions. The New York Metropolitan Museum began its first closure since the 9/11 attacks and Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and the Metropolitan Opera has canceled all performances and rehearsals until the 31st. Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center have also closed their doors.

Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City, said, "We expect that New York City performance venues such as Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, and Radio City Music Hall will not be able to operate for several months."

On this day, New York State reported 112 new COVID-19 cases in one day, bringing the total number of patients to 328. New York City also declared a state of emergency. On social networks, rumors circulated about possible closures of the New York subway and roads. Ultimately, the New York Police Department had to clarify that these rumors were unfounded.

Phil Murphy, Governor of New Jersey, went a step further by banning events with more than 250 attendees. As a result, if this situation prolongs, the K-pop group BTS's concert scheduled for May 23 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey may also be affected.

The sports sector could not escape the impact of COVID-19 either. The day before, the U.S. professional basketball league (NBA) decided to suspend the league, and on this day, the U.S. professional baseball league (MLB) postponed the season opening, while the professional ice hockey league (NHL) chose to suspend the season.

Amusement parks are also closing. Disneyland and Universal Studios in western California, where COVID-19 has spread, decided to suspend operations due to the risk of infection.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.