On January 12, the Ontario government issued an updated set of guidelines for the ongoing pandemic response. The new guidelines tightened restrictions and closed the majority of businesses deemed non-essential across the province.
What wasn’t entirely clear to many people, however, was whether livestreaming from a concert venue or theatre —allowed under rules imposed December 21 — were now prohibited.
The answer is: yes.
A representative for the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries clarified the situation in an email. Livestreaming per se isn’t prohibited, but where it can take place is.
“During the current lockdown, concert venues, theatres and cinemas used for the purpose of rehearsing or performing a recorded or broadcast concert, artistic event, theatrical performance or other performance, are required to close.”
According to yesterday’s announcement, the new guidelines are in place until February 11, 2021 at least, pending review of current COVID-19 stats.
This will affect the Royal Conservatory’s 21C Festival and any other events involving livestreaming for the immediate future.
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