Broadway lifts mask requirement for patrons starting in July

Broadway announced Tuesday it is lifting its COVID-19 mask requirement next month for its theater-goers.

The announcement was made by the Broadway League and applies to all 41 of its theaters, according to Variety.com. 

The change comes as COVID rates have begun to decline in New York's five boroughs and amid Broadway theater owners and producers saying the mask requirement has hurt ticket sales.

The league says the policy will be evaluated on a monthly basis "as we continue to monitor the science." It also said that audience members are still "encouraged" to wear masks in theaters, Variety also reports.

Most Broadway theaters last month lifted the requirement that audience members provide proof of vaccination to enter ventures. Mask and vaccine requirements have already been eliminated at New York City restaurants, movie theaters and other venues as the city tries to return to pre-pandemic times.