Doc walks out of centre as audience flouts mask rules
A TOP doctor walked out of the Wales Millennium Centre before the show he had tickets for had even started due to what he described as a “profoundly unsafe environment”.
The consultant, who works for the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said coronavirus rules around mask wearing were not being followed at the theatre, forcing him to leave the venue after feeling uncomfortable with the situation.
The doctor, who did not want to be named, said he attended the Wales Millennium Centre (WMC) on Thursday to watch a production of Grease.
He said that while the majority of people in the lobby were wearing masks, once inside the theatre itself around 70% of the audience were not wearing face coverings.
He added that in the half an hour he was in the theatre he heard two tannoy announcements reminding people to wear face masks, but that no staff enforced this rule.
The doctor claims he approached several members of staff to question why the rules were not being enforced, claiming: “It is obvious that the employees are systematically disempowered to actually ensure the safe operation of the venue. There was mere reference to the relevant announcements and otherwise helpless shoulder-shrugging.”
He has received a full refund for his ticket, and says he has reported the incident to the centre, Cardiff council and the Welsh Government.
“I noticed straightaway that in the lobby that many people were already then not wearing face masks,” he said.
“But in fairness, the majority were. Once I took my seat and the hall was filling up it was pretty packed, and I noticed that about 70% to 80% of people were not wearing face masks.
“There was a lot of coughing and spluttering to be heard, I certainly didn’t feel safe.
“When I asked why nobody was approaching the people asking them to wear face masks I was met with a hopeless shrug. It became very apparent this is how the venue is operating.
“Given that we are already pretty much at capacity at the moment in the hospitals as it is, I found this pretty worrying.”
Currently, face masks are mandatory in most indoor venues, including theatres and cinemas. Covid passes are also now required. The doctor said that while Covid passes were enforced, mask wearing was not.
He says he thinks the centre should be forced to close provisionally “until due adherence to public health Covid-regulations can be assured”.
“I have seen so many people seriously ill and dying with Covid, and when you see behaviour like this where people are still constantly reminded, this isn’t over – events like this can still be super spreader events.”
Steven Morris, head of operations at the WMC, said: “The safety of our audience, staff and performers is of paramount importance to us. We are working extensively to ensure the Centre is Covid-secure and the measures we carry out are in line with the latest government legislation and performing arts guidelines.
“Mask wearing is legislative in all indoor places open to the public; therefore, all patrons should comply with this ruling unless consuming food or drink, or if they are exempt.
“We strongly advise patrons who are attending a show at Wales Millennium Centre to arrive early in order for us to carry out Covid Pass checks and ensure attendance at a performance is without delay. Patrons over the age of 18 years old must show a NHS Covid Pass or proof of a negative Covid test along with photo ID. All Covid safety checks are carried out by trained staff.
“Wales Millennium Centre has also implemented a range of additional measures to ensure anyone visiting the Centre is kept as safe as possible.”