Coronavirus: New York theatre site suggests audiences wear hazmat suits to performances

Discount tickets to combat plummeting audience numbers included an odd disclaimer

A New York theatre site has sparked confusion after suggesting audience members wear hazmat suits to performances in an effort to combat coronavirus.

The recommendation occurred after producer Scott Rudin announced he was slashing the ticket prices of his Broadway shows to maintain audience numbers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tickets for shows including The Book of Mormon and West Side Story are now able to be bought for $50 (£39), a steep cut from traditional Broadway prices.

One eager punter tweeted their excitement about the offer, before noticing a strange disclaimer on the US theatre ticket site NYTix.com.

Below details about the offer, the disclaimer reads: “The Scott Rudin ticket deal is unprecedented but does come with the inherent risk of being exposed to the currently incurable, and possibly deadly, coronavirus.

“Fans should keep this in mind when purchasing these greatly discounted tickets … Facemasks, gloves, hazmat suits, hand sanitiser are recommended to be used in any crowded venue in NYC during this pandemic.”

“So my wife got really excited because there were Broadway tickets at super low prices due to #COVID19,” Dr Phillip Goff tweeted. “Then she saw their disclaimer. They are recommending hazmat suits. Hazmat. Suits.”

“Please tell me this is fake,” one follower replied, only to be given confirmation that the disclaimer was indeed real.

For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are among the stars to confirm they’ve tested positive for the virus, while a number of entertainment projects have been delayed or postponed as a result of the pandemic.

Find a full list of everything that’s been affected in the wake of the outbreak here.