COVID-19 Update: May 27, 2020: Mixed Signals

A $825 bailout plan could save the European Union. It could also alter the face of Europe: tinyurl.com/yc3ubogx.

Meanwhile:

Alarmingly, a poll shows only 50% of Americans are willing to take a vaccine if and when it becomes available: tinyurl.com/yd5t8s58.

The World Health Organization bans its hydroxychloroquine study over health fears: tinyurl.com/y7j6a2tn. Belgium, France, and Italy are banning hydroxychloroquine for the same reasons: tinyurl.com/yddy4qta.

Actors' Equity: Members shouldn't work until pandemic is under control: tinyurl.com/yazmtnrv.

If you open it, will they come? In the case of US cinemas, not so much: tinyurl.com/y8edqxob.

Bookmark this link to a map, provide by Pearle Live Performance Europe; it will keep you updated on when each country plans to reopen for shows, and the audience sizes permitted: tinyurl.com/ybyzm4nh.

LightFair Launches "LightFair Connect" a virtual conference: tinyurl.com/ybht3ocx.

NHL fans may yet get a Stanley Cup in 2020: tinyurl.com/yaf8hhk9.

Food for thought:

An expert from Harvard notes that the real problem with the coronavirus is airborne transmission, and offers a plan to deal with it: tinyurl.com/y7uj4cxo.

Why social distancing isn't enough; practical steps for offices, restaurants, and places of entertainment: tinyurl.com/y8w6twg5.

The problem we all face: Not enough data to make decent risk assessments: tinyurl.com/ydyo2cxc.

Around the country:

In California:

The price of the pandemic: an economy in freefall: tinyurl.com/yadg44xh.

In Florida:

Disney World, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens announce their reopening plans: tinyurl.com/y8v2n6ce. Universal Studios is already raring to go: tinyurl.com/ybcwgmle.

In New York:

Tonight, Times Square will darken "to alert the nation to the very real prospect that hundreds of thousands of American restaurants, non-profits, and retailers -- employing millions -- are in danger of going dark because existing federal assistance programs are not achieving intended goal:" tinyurl.com/y8oakx4u.

A poll shows one major bar to audiences returning to Broadway: fear of jerks: tinyurl.com/yb5rc3v7.

The Copacabana nightclub is a victim of the pandemic: tinyurl.com/y8r2xfjp.

In Oklahoma:

Six Flags parks start opening next week, first in at Frontier City in Oklahoma City: tinyurl.com/y74fqecz.

In Texas:

Four Dallas health experts weigh in on reopening the state: tinyurl.com/y8n3rtlh.

In Vegas:

Will crowds return to a city under pandemic rules? tinyurl.com/ycgxn84y.

Around the world:

In China:

What's it like at the reopened Shanghai Disney? tinyurl.com/y7solzm8.

Training:

New Martin by Harman webinars: "Lighting Truss Rigging for Lighting Technicians," presented by Sarah O'Brien, lead rigger, on Thursday, May 28 at 11:00am CDT. Register at tinyurl.com/ydymg69t. "The History and Art of the Advance," presented by Andrew Pen, lighting designer, on Friday, May 29, at 3:00pm, CDT. Register at: tinyurl.com/y76wsbtf.

New Soundcraft webinars: "Headroom of a Sound System," presented by Jan Van Zyl, June 4 at 12:00pm CDT. Register at tinyurl.com/y9gj6qnt. "Soundcraft Vi1000 Advanced Training," presented by Gabriel Le Roux, June 5m 12:00pm CDT. Register at tinyurl.com/y8p6uk8v.

Company news:

From Sapsis Rigging: "We have recently received several inquiries regarding the use of disinfectants, chemicals, and alcohol solution on Proplus fall arrest harnesses. Here's what you need to know:

"After doing some research, we have found that there has not been any data collected on the long-term effects of using cleaning chemicals or disinfecting agents on webbing/fibers, protective coatings that are used in ProPlus fall arrest harnesses. We are concerned that there can possibly be a of loss of strength, abrasion resistance, and resistance to environmental conditions if chemical or disinfecting agents are used. We've also been asked about steam cleaning, UV light, and other similar methods. Each of these treatments presents its own problems that can alter the equipment's characteristics and, as noted above, there is no data to provide guidance.

"It is Sapsis Rigging's recommendation that harness users continue with the established protocol for cleaning their equipment. The only cleaning products recommended are water and a diluted solution of hand soap or mild dish soap. Do not use bleach, cleaning chemicals, or disinfectants. Do not use aggressive cleaning tools or methods. (Do not, for example, use a washing machine. It may damage the equipment and will most certainly damage the washing machine.) A soft sponge or rag may be used lightly to rub the equipment.

"After cleaning, the harness should be thoroughly rinsed. Run clean water over the harness to remove any foreign substances and residual soap. Do not use a pressure sprayer of any type.

"Harnesses should be dried by hanging in a cool, dry, shaded area with adequate ventilation. Avoid direct sunlight. Following these procedures is consistent with long standing practices in the care and maintenance of these types of equipment. As always, it is the responsibility of the user for proper inspection, care and use of the equipment.

"The advice provided is for ProPlus harnesses and related products. While we believe this advice holds true for most, if not all harnesses on the market, please confirm with the harness or safety device manufacturer before attempted to clean the harness or device."

Scheduling:

A new UK/Ireland tour of The Phantom of the Opera is off: tinyurl.com/yap2zduu.

For your entertainment:

Bookmark this comprehensive list of opera and classical music performances online: tinyurl.com/y73to3l9.

Chita: A Legendary Celebration, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS' evening of song and dance celebrating the legendary Chita Rivera, returns this Friday, May 29, 2020, in an exclusive stream benefiting Broadway Cares and its COVID-19 emergency efforts. Watch at broadwaycares.org/pre-event/chita-a-legendary-celebration-stream/.

For jazz fans, Free to Be (Jazz of the 1960s), feature Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra: tinyurl.com/yajyqnkt.

Here's the list of this week's offerings from Metropolitan Opera: tinyurl.com/y8nbqgzq.

Off Broadway's Metropolitan Playhouse will present Neith Boyce's groundbreaking drama, Constancy, via live stream video, with talkback to follow, on May 30 at 8:00pm EST. Running time is 30 minutes with a talkback to follow, including audience questions. It is available via Zoom and YouTube at www.metropolitanplayhouse.org/virtualplayhouse. The program will also be simultaneously broadcast on WBAI Radio 99.5 FM and www.wbai.org.

The New York Philharmonic is making available two new broadcasts this week on Facebook and YouTube Thursday, May 28 at 7:30pm EDT, the Philharmonic will rebroadcast the 1982 Great Performances episode featuring violinist Itzhak Perlman performing the Mendelssohn and Brahms Violin Concertos, conducted by David Zinman. A recently recorded interview between Perlman and Alec Baldwin will open the broadcast. A rebroadcast of the Philharmonic's performance of Brahms' A German Requieum on Facebook (tinyurl.com/ydda3so5) and YouTube (tinyurl.com/y9j3jmae).

Off Broadway's Red Bull Theater presents a reading of The Revenger's Tragedy on June 1 at 7:30pm at www.redbulltheater.com/live, and on Facebook, Vimeo, and YouTube.

Thirty-three Sondheim numbers in five minutes: tinyurl.com/y7mayj7u.

That's all for today. Stay safe.

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