This post has been updated throughout. Last update: 6:36 PM EST, Wednesday, March 18th.
The New York electronic music scene is grappling with new state-issued social distancing regulations as the number of COVID-19 (the disease caused by the novel coronavirus) cases rise statewide.
The Office of Nightlife is collecting information on nightlife workers, freelancers and business that have been affected by COVID-19. Fill out the survey here.
Effective Tuesday, March 17th, New York City has closed all nightclubs and concert venues. Restaurants, bars and cafes will be limited to take-out and delivery.
On Thursday, March 12th, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a series of mass gathering regulations, that went into effect Friday, March 13th. Two key limitations—the ban on mass gatherings of over 500 attendees, and a new requirement for events with under 500 individuals to cut their capacity in half—have impacted the electronic music scene. These restrictions have led multiple venues across the five boroughs to limit their hours, postpone events or announce temporary closures.
Ariel Palitz, the senior executive director of the Office Of Nightlife, told Resident Advisor:"During this difficult and confusing time, the Office Of Nightlife is fulfilling its purpose by gathering the most accurate and meaningful information and resources and sharing it with the nightlife community, while also sharing the nightlife community's concerns with government to ensure nightlife's needs and concerns are represented.
The Office Of Nightlife is here to help. For updates and information, please visit
nyc.gov/nightlife."