Those attending performances at The Ardhowen in Enniskillen and the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh will have to be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative test as the rules around social distancing are relaxed.
The NI Executive has removed the legal requirement to socially distance in indoor seated venues, but a number of mitigations will be in place at venues in Co Fermanagh and Co Tyrone from this week.
Theatres and other indoor venues have had to deal with limited audience numbers since reopening for the first time in over a year on 27 July.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council confirmed the changes to its operations, with face coverings remaining mandatory when moving around the venues and during performances.
According to a statement from the Council, from Monday, October 4, those attending shows will be ‘required to demonstrate their Covid status’.
“Audience members will be required to demonstrate their Covid status, including proof of being fully vaccinated, or proof of a negative lateral flow rapid test, or proof of natural immunity from a positive PCR test undertaken in the previous 30-180 days,” the statement said.
Council chair Errol Thompson said: “This announcement by the NI Executive is a positive step in our road to recovery and is to be welcomed.
“However, Covid is still within our communities, and it is important that everybody continues to follow public health guidance and all mitigating measures put in place to reduce the spread of Covid-19.”
“In addition to the mitigating measures recommended by the government such as proof of Covid status and hand sanitising stations, the teams at The Ardhowen and Strule Arts Centre have put in place a range of additional measures such as contactless tickets and cashless payments to help people feel safe and comfortable when they visit so they can enjoy a great night out at the theatre.”
