S.F. Opera will require patrons to be vaccinated
The San Francisco Opera has announced new safety protocols for audiences in response to the COVID19 pandemic and the recent surge in delta variant cases. The company said it would now require proof of vaccination for all patrons age 12 and older.
A previous standard that also allowed patrons to attend with proof of a negative COVID test has been discontinued.
“We’ve been in constant consultation for a year with doctors at UCSF,” General Director Matthew Shilvock told The Chronicle on Wednesday, July 28, “and after our recent conversations, we felt this was the time to move to a totally vaccinated environment.”
Shilvock pointed out that the Opera already required proof of vaccination for anyone coming into the company’s workspaces, including offices and the backstage of the War Memorial Opera House. The new requirement will ensure that the entirety of the theater is fully vaccinated.
The new safety protocol goes into effect immediately and applies to the
“We realize there may be some people who were banking on attending performances who may not be able to, and we’re deeply sorry for the inconvenience.” Matthew Shilvock, general director, S.F. Opera
202122 season, which opens Aug. 21 with a revival of Puccini’s “Tosca.”
Masks will continue to be required for all performances.
“To show proof of vaccination, we ask that you show either your physical vaccination card or a photo of your card,” the company wrote in a letter sent to ticket holders. “We recommend keeping a photo of your card on your phone for easy access at all times.”
“We realize there may be some people who were banking on attending performances who may not be able to,” Shilvock said, “and we’re deeply sorry for the inconvenience.”
He added that families with children younger than 12 who wish to attend performances should contact the box office to discuss seating and safety options.
The Opera’s decision comes as state public health officials released a new recommendation that all residents use masks in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status.
The San Francisco Symphony requires that concertgoers wear masks but does not ask for proof of either vaccination or a negative COVID19 test. A spokesperson told The Chronicle on Wednesday that the orchestra’s Health and Safety Task Force is currently discussing potential updates to that protocol for the 202122 season.