Oxford’s culture venues to continue to encourage mask wearing after 19 July
Members of Oxford’s Cultural Partnership will be asking audiences to continue to wear masks after 19 July to help protect staff, volunteers and audiences.
The government has announced that from Monday 19 July people will need to take personal responsibility for minimising the spread of COVID-19 by actions such as wearing a mask.
Businesses are able to make their own decisions about whether they will require mask wearing on their premises.
Cultural venues including theatres, museums and event spaces are asking all audience members to wear a face covering whenever possible. Wearing a face covering protects other people, and for these venues is a key way to ensure their staff and volunteers stay healthy and don’t need to isolate.
In a collective statement, the Oxford Cultural Partnership said:
“We encourage our visitors to continue wearing masks and to practice social distancing so that we can all feel safe and protected.
“Hand sanitisers will be available in our venues and we trust that our visitors will make considered decisions in the interest of themselves and everyone around then and make use of the NHS check in app.”
“With a sizable number of staff, performers and volunteers, and indeed the public, not yet fully vaccinated we see this as an important step to protecting everyone involved in creating culture in Oxford, and kindly request that visitors remain considerate during this time.”
Councillor Mary Clarkson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said:
“All of Oxford’s cultural partners made this decision together, out of concern for their staff and audiences. The message from the government is clear that we all still need to be cautious, and masks are recommended in crowded spaces. Please enjoy Oxford’s events, performances and exhibitions safely by wearing a mask to protect each other.”
ENDS
For more information contact:
Oxford City Council
Press Office
01865 252096
