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State Issues New Guidance Allowing Graduation and
Commencement Ceremonies
Published: April 13, 2021 at 01:00 p.m.
By: Press Release from Governor Cuomo’s Office
Governor Cuomo
Announces Updated Guidance for Graduation and Commencement Ceremonies
Effective May 1,
Indoor and Outdoor Ceremonies Will Be Allowed with Limited Capacity,
Depending on Event Size and Location
All Event
Organizers and Venues Hosting Events Subject to Strict Health and Safety
Protocols
Detailed Guidance
is Available Here
Governor Andrew
M. Cuomo today announced new updated guidance for graduation and
commencement ceremonies organized by schools, colleges
and universities. Effective May 1, indoor and outdoor graduation and
commencement ceremonies will be allowed with limited attendee capacity,
depending on the event size and the location (e.g., stadium, arena, arts and entertainment venue). All event organizers
and venues hosting ceremonies must follow the State's strict health
and safety protocols, including requiring face masks, social distancing,
health screenings and collection of contact tracing information. Detailed
guidance for graduation events is available here.
"We're once
again approaching the end of the academic year which means we need strict
rules in place to ensure commencement ceremonies are done safely in the
context of the ongoing pandemic," Governor Cuomo said. "With
more people getting vaccinated every day, we are so close to the light at
the end of the tunnel, but we all need to continue being vigilant and I am
urging everyone to celebrate smart."
For events that
exceed the social gathering limits of 100 people indoors or 200 people
outdoors, event organizers and venues must notify the local health
department and require attendees to show proof of a recent negative test
result or proof of completed immunization prior to entry. These
requirements are consistent with the State's guidance for other congregate
commercial and social activities, including catered receptions, performing
arts, and sports competitions.
Outdoor Events:
- Large-scale ceremonies of over 500 people at
outdoor venues will be limited to 20 percent of capacity, applicable
to venues with a total capacity of 2,500 or more.
- Medium-scale ceremonies of 201-500 people at
outdoor venues will be limited to 33 percent of capacity.
- Small-scale ceremonies of up to 200 people or
2 attendees per student at outdoor venues will be limited to 50
percent of capacity. Proof of recent negative test result or proof of
completed immunization is optional.
Indoor Events:
- Large-scale ceremonies of over 150 people at
indoor venues will be limited to 10 percent of capacity, applicable to
venues with a total capacity of 1,500 or more.
- Medium-scale ceremonies of 101-150 people at
indoor venues will be limited to 33 percent of capacity.
- Small-scale ceremonies of up to 100 people or
2 attendees per student at indoor venues will be limited to 50 percent
of capacity. Proof of recent negative test result or proof of
completed immunization is optional.
This announcement
builds on the Governor's recent measures to further re-open the economy
amid a steady decline in New York's COVID-19 positivity and hospitalization
rates. Governor Cuomo announced that professional sports in large outdoor
stadiums that hold 10,000 people or more will be allowed to reopen at 20
percent capacity and smaller, regional sports venues that hold 1,500 people
indoors or 2,500 people outdoors can also reopen, with an initial capacity
limited to 10 percent indoors and 20 percent outdoors, beginning April 1.
The Governor also announced, event, arts and entertainment venues can
reopen at 33 percent capacity, up to 100 people indoors and up to 200
people outdoor, beginning April 2nd. Additionally, on March 15th, Governor
Cuomo announced wedding receptions and catered events could expand to
larger scale events subject to following the Department of Health guidance.
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