Popular summer concert destination CMAC in Canandaigua has decided to begin its 2021 season as a fully vaccinated site.
“After thoughtful consideration of our operations team, our artists and our patrons, CMAC wants to ensure all feel safe while enjoying our venue. We are proud of our history and tradition in providing a safe community venue,” officials said in a statement.
The news comes as the state, starting May 19, will adopt the Centers for Disease Control’s interim COVID-19 public health recommendations for the fully vaccinated in business and public settings. The CDC states that those who have received both doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines—considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second shot—or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting except in areas where federal, state and local rules apply.
Attendees of CMAC events, in adherence with state and Ontario County guidelines, will need to provide proof of vaccination through the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or by using the New York State Excelsior Pass. Photo identification also is required.
Patrons will not be required to wear masks or socially distance. Children older than 12 who are vaccinated can attend CMAC events. Individuals who are unable to receive a vaccination due to a medical condition will not be accommodated during the 2021 season.
“We apologize for our inability to accommodate you this 2021 season and look forward to seeing you in 2022,” CMAC stated.
Tickets already purchased will be refunded if patrons are unable to be vaccinated. The venue has stayed away from making accommodations for unvaccinated people, citing the difficulty in ensuring a safe experience for all.
Some venues in the state are looking at ways to separate vaccinated guests from the unvaccinated ones. The unvaccinated sections at stadiums in New York, for example, will require masks and social distancing protocols.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week said for events below the state’s social gathering limit of 250 indoors or 500 outdoors, venues will be able to require masks for all patrons. In indoor settings where vaccination status is unknown, the state Department of Health recommends masks and social distancing unless all attendees show proof of vaccination.
Large event venues will require unvaccinated patrons to be seated six feet apart. Masks for this group are required at indoor events. Proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test is necessary for those above the age of 4 who are unvaccinated.
In other parts of the country, some event spaces, including ballparks, are planning to operate in a similar fashion, with some increasing capacity to follow social-distancing norms.
As for businesses, capacity limits, which are based on a percentage of maximum occupancy, will be lifted. They will be limited only by space available for patrons to keep a distance of six feet. If all visitors are vaccinated, the updated CDC rules apply.
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor.