“We will move heaven and earth to bring Broadway back,” Mayor Bill de Blasio declared in announcing dedicated Covid-19 vaccination sites on Broadway for the theater industry, with a mobile vaccination unit dedicated to off-Broadway workers, both of which will be staffed by veteran theater workers. The mayor said he hopes that Broadway will reopen in Fall 2021.

“Today is a really good first step in our healing,” performer Telly Leung said at the City Hall press conference.

Actors Equity responded with a statement from Mary McColl, the union’s executive director: “Today’s announcement is an important recognition from the City of New York that a strong theatre industry means a healthy, strong economy. Mayor de Blasio clearly understands that we cannot socially distance in our work, making the availability of vaccines and testing critical for maintaining a safe workplace. We have been having conversations with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment about safety on a regular basis throughout the pandemic. It is clear that we were heard and the city is pushing forward-looking policy changes that will serve the entire theatrical community. We are grateful for the leadership of Mayor de Blasio.”