115 coronavirus cases linked to Tokyo theater

At least 115 people, including performers and audience members from 11 prefectures, who were at a theater in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Infections have also been con rmed among coworkers and family members of those infected at Shinjuku Theater Moliere.

It is believed that infection prevention measures were not thoroughly implemented at the theater, prompting an industry group to review its guidelines.

Infections are believed to have spread during a production of “The Jinro —

Ikemen Jinro Aidoruha Dareda!!” from June 30 to July 5. Two performances were staged each day, with each one lasting about two hours.

Among the infected performers and audience members announced by local governments, 59 were from Tokyo, 19 from Kanagawa, 15 from Saitama and seven each from Chiba and Aichi prefectures.

In addition to the 115 individuals infected at the theater, at least 10 colleagues and family members are suspected of being infected by those who attended the performance.

In Gunma Prefecture, a nursery worker who went to the theater on July 5 was found to be infected with the virus. The nursery school where she works has been closed since July 14, and about 190 children and employees have been tested.

Two members of staff at the school have also tested positive.

An audience member from Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, who is a nurse in charge of the neonatal intensive care unit at a municipal hospital was also infected. As a result, 11 newborns she had had contact with had to undergo tests.

An audience member studying at the University of Shimane tested positive for the virus on July 14. e campus she attends has been closed since that day.

The Yomiuri Shimbun The entrance of Shinjuku Theater Moliere is seen in central Tokyo.