As a precaution against COVID-19, New York City's concert venues and cinemas will be closed this week.
As quarantine over COVID-19 settles in, the biggest issue seems to be public gathering spaces in big cities, where the coronavirus is more easily spread. Plenty of American cities have shut down all restaurants and bars, especially after the massive turnout seen during this past St. Patrick's Day weekend. Now, New York City has taken a step toward more extensive quarantine methods by closing down all concert venues, nightclubs, and movie theaters.
"Our lives are all changing in ways that were unimaginable just a week ago," said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a Twitter thread. "We are taking a series of actions that we never would have taken otherwise in an effort to save the lives of loved ones and our neighbors. Now it is time to take yet another drastic step.
"The virus can spread rapidly through the close interactions New Yorkers have in restaurants, bars and places where we sit close together. We have to break that cycle. Tomorrow, I will sign an Executive Order limiting restaurants, bars and cafes to food take-out and delivery.
"Nightclubs, movie theaters, small theater houses, and concert venues must all close. The order will go into effect Tuesday, March 17 at 9am.
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"This is not a decision I make lightly. These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality.
"We will come through this, but until we do, we must make whatever sacrifices necessary to help our fellow New Yorkers."
Though this is not an unexpected move for Mayor de Blasio, it is no less dramatic. New York City thrives on its nightlife, and a huge number of the people living and working there make their wages performing or working at one of its many venues and clubs. Everyone at Kerrang! sends their heart out to all of the bartenders, sound techs, waitresses, dancers, and other employees of New York's concert world.
Meanwhile, if you miss the sensation of being crushed into a sweaty NYC back room and having an insane band melt your face off, enjoy some of our Brooklyn K! Pit performances below:
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