PORTLAND, Maine — As COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise in Maine and across the country, four of Portland's most prominent music venues are instituting requirements for entry into shows.
Effective immediately, the management of the State Theatre and Thompson's Point requires all audience members and staff to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test from the past 48 hours, along with a matching photo ID, in order to enter the venue.
According to the State Theatre's website, proof of vaccination can be your physical vaccine card or a photo of your card, and children under 12 are exempt from the policy.
"For the past seventeen months, the State Theatre has been shuttered due to the effects of the pandemic," the State Theatre's update said. "This decision was made to help keep our community safe and our doors open."
At the Portland House of Music, all audience members must show proof of vaccination or negative test within the previous 72 hours in order to enter the venue. This policy will be effective starting Aug. 26.
A post on the venue's website says that anyone who cannot get vaccinated or get proof of a negative test can email booking@portlandhouseofmusic.com for a refund.
"We hope we can keep our doors open, and we need your support and understanding to do so," the post said.
Beginning Friday, Sept. 17, anyone entering AURA for a show or event must also show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken in the previous 72 hours with a matching ID.
One Longfellow Square in Portland will not accept a negative COVID test, according to a message on its website. Visitors to the venue must be fully vaccinated and they must provide proof of it in order to gain entry.
NEWS CENTER Maine's partners at the Portland Press Herald reported that at least two other Maine music venues already require proof of vaccination to attend concerts: The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor and Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield. Several others are considering it.