PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Coronavirus: Theatres (30 December 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the scientific basis was for the decision to close theatres in Tier 3 local covid alert level areas; and what assessment he has made of the effect of people visiting theatres on the transmission of covid-19.

Asked by:
Nadia Whittome (Labour)

All indoor entertainment venues, including theatres, had to close in areas under tier 3 restrictions. However, on 4 January, the Prime Minister announced a national lockdown, meaning theatres are now closed across England, although they are still be able to open for training, rehearsals and for filming. While we understand and appreciate the efforts businesses have taken to limit the risk of transmission in their premises, Scientists have confirmed that the new variant is between 50 and 70% more transmissible and can be spread by people with no symptoms. It is right, therefore, that theatres and other entertainment venues must close in order to manage the spread of the virus.

Answered by:
Ms Nadine Dorries (Conservative)
12 January 2021