Chautauqua Institution in Western New York is the cultural and spiritual mecca that lures me back each summer to enjoy its rich and diverse offerings of lectures, music, dance and spirituality. That is until last summer when COVID caused the cancellation of its season. So, it was with great anticipation that I made reservations this year for the month of August even though I wondered how attendees could stay safe and whether visiting lecturers and artists would be up to their standard.
I needn’t have worried. Proof of vaccination was stamped on my gate pass when I arrived and was checked for every event. Persons not vaccinated by choice or because of a medical situation were required to be tested, wear a mask and sit on one side of the large amphitheater where most all events were held. While there were several employees from the children’s school that came down with COVID, every staff member was required to wear a mask for the rest of the season. Many vaccinated patrons also started to mask up if near others at events. These precautions were successful in keeping attendees safe.
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