Met Gala, Sundance Film Festival, Cirque Du Soleil Latest to Require Vaccines
Some of the most high-profile events of the next 12 months will require attendees to be vaccinated. From the Met Gala to Sundance Film Festival, there are rules around mask-wearing and other restrictions that aim to keep people safe while celebrating.
In the case of the Met Gala, it seems likely celebrities will attempt to incorporate masks into their outfits, meaning fans can expect everything from diamond-encrusted face coverings to political messages sprawled over their fabrics.
And in the case of many of these events, it is not just the case that attendees must be vaccinated, but also staff and crew members.
We delve into the rules and regulations of these events before they take place over the coming months.
The Met Gala
A spokesperson from the Met Gala told The Daily Beast people must provide proof of full vaccination in order to attend the event.
The organizers also added those joining the fundraiser would be expected to wear masks indoors.
The exception to this would be while eating and drinking. That means attendees will be mask-free while tucking into this year's completely plant-based menu.
This year's theme is In America: A Lexicon of Fashion, named after the new exhibition at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
As with every year, a group of celebrities are hosting. That includes Billie Eilish, Naomi Osaka, Amanda Gorman, and Timothée Chalamet in 2021, with Tom Ford, Adam Mosseri and Anna Wintour sitting as honorary chairs.
Sundance Film Festival
For next year's Sundance, festival director Tabitha Jackson announced all participants must be fully vaccinated.
That doesn't just mean those watching the movies, but also volunteers and filmmakers, as well as those with tickets to any Sundance-affiliated events.
Jackson said, via Deadline: "Health and safety is paramount. As we plan for the 2022 Festival, one of our most important considerations is how best to safely bring together artists, audiences, volunteers, and staff from around the world.
"As part of our commitment to this community, we will be requiring all participants attending the Festival, or Sundance-affiliated events, in person in Utah to be fully vaccinated.
"We are providing this information now to ensure that all in-person participants feel comfortable attending, and can adjust their travel plans if needed."
At the moment, it is not clear if the festival will require mask-wearing or social distancing.
The 2021 festival took place in January 2021 and was mainly online. It received a total audience 2.7 times larger than its usual fare, according to the Sundance team.
Cirque Du Soleil
The aerial acrobatics show is providing a little more flexibility to those involved with it, as for those who have not been fully vaccinated, they will be required to take regular tests.
A statement from the organizers, via KSNV NBC Las Vegas, said: "Health and safety is top priority at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. As we continue to gradually reopen our shows, a series of protocols have been implemented with regard to COVID-19 in order to keep our artists, employees and audiences safe.
"In alignment with these policies, Cirque du Soleil will require for all show staff, artists and technicians to be fully vaccinated prior to reopening. Given the unique nature of our productions and operations, it is imperative that we embark on this process to maintain the continuity of our operations.
"Artists and employees that are not vaccinated are required to be tested regularly."
At the moment, there is no information on whether the company will ask audiences to also be vaccinated or wear masks.
In Las Vegas, Governor Steve Sisolak re-introduced a mask mandate to be effective from August 15, regardless of vaccine status, meaning it is likely audience members to shows in this area will be required to wear masks.
For many of these events, regulations will be updated and considered before events take place.
