The culture is safe, assures Prague. Its organization strictly adheres to the measures in force Culture | News Pražská Drbna
The capital, in its sixteen cultural organizations, guarantees compliance with anti-civic measures. Due to the recent increase in the number of covid19 diseases, all cultural institutions in Prague confirm that they consistently control vaccinations, tests and wearing respirators with spectators. At the same time, the metropolis warns that other planned measures should not discriminate against those spectators and cultural organizers who responsibly prevent the spread of disease. Councilor Hana Třeštíková (Prague to herself) to show people by sharing photos from cultural institutions with the hashtag #nezavirejkulturu that cultural experiences are safe from an epidemic point of view.
#nezavirejkulturu
Upon entering all ten city theaters, the Gallery and Museum of the Capital City of Prague, the Vyšehrad National Cultural Monument, the City Library or the Prague Planetarium, employees use the Dot application to check whether spectators are equipped with a test or have been vaccinated. It also controls the use of respirator interiors. Representatives of cultural organizations are convinced that, if these tools are used, it would not be appropriate to jeopardize the existence of organizations with these new restrictions.
Prague does not want to let culture down again like all those who have lost their income in a few months since the beginning of the pandemic “The capital wants to be a guarantee and a guarantor of the fact that in all our contributory organizations we consistently pay attention to the observance of all measures preventing the spread of the disease. That is why we can say with a clear conscience that culture is not only safe in our country,“Said the councilor for culture Hana Třeštíková. It is the manifesto of #nezavirejkulturu that the metropolis, together with cultural actors and visitors, wants to show that culture can be enjoyed with respect to hygienic recommendations.
The capital will thus collect anonymized data in its cultural contributory organizations for several weeks and thus monitor the numbers of vaccinated, tested or 19-recovered visitors. This information will then serve those who may have doubts about the safety of visits to cultural institutions. The results may then be relevant in the case of negotiations with the new management of the Ministry of Culture and Health.
“It would be a great pity to cut off all these efforts again“
According to the director of the Municipal Theaters of Prague, Daniela Přibyla, since May this year, the cultural industry has been trying to get back on its own two feet. “Some theaters canceled the summer theater holidays to compensate for the loss of income, we all had to be modest and use our strength to cope with this unfavorable situation for culture. It would be a great pity to cut off all these efforts again, “Says Přibyl.
The Prague Drbna approached the Municipal Theaters of Prague with a question about whether they are ready for a possible tightening of measures. According to Zuzana Vernerová in the Municipal Theaters of Prague, they observe government measures, and spectators often prove infectivity when entering a theatrical performance. She added that proof of infectivity is not required for children under six years of age.
“Spectators can enter the theater only with mouth and nose protection (FFP2 class respirator or NANO drape). We ask them to keep their spacing and hand disinfection is available at the entrances to the theater, “Said Vernerová for Pražská Drbna. Staff warn you to follow current regulations. Viewers are also concerned about current regulations and their provision of networks on websites and social networks.
“The management of the Municipal Theaters of Prague continuously monitors developments around hygienic regulations. If they are changed, they are without implementation,“Added Verner.
“(Theaters) are a place that poses almost no danger to the spread of the disease“
The Association of Independent Theaters of the Czech Republic or the Czech Music Community is also joining the initiative. For example, according to the director of the Jatka 78 theater and the vice-president of the Association of Independent Theaters of the Czech Republic, Štěpán Kubišta, theater organizations of the association in this association observe anti – epidemic measures from the first moment.
“We also strictly adhere to the necessary measures throughout the pandemic, including repeated regular testing of our employees. Our work is not possible in the event of the loss of often a single member of the team, and therefore I am more consistent in these measures than other sectors,“Added Kubišta.
Theaters are thus able to control the audience well, record and observe the distances in the auditorium and from the stage. “They are a place for the spread of a disease that poses no danger. This has also been demonstrated in all published dissemination surveys. Culture is very safe if current measures are followed. Its possible further restrictions cause significant problems in the whole sector, regardless of financial losses and the need for subsidies from public finances, ”Kubišta explains.
“We need and want to play for people and ideally full halls“
The audience is also very important for the music sector, as the chairman of the Czech Music Community says Jakub Nový. “We need and want to play for people and ideally halls, so it is important for us to ensure safety for the audience in all respects. I believe that, with recent experience, we will be able to secure action, “Says Nový. He adds that he appeals to mutual respect between spectators and organizers. “It’s all about something in common: to enjoy a performance as part of the arrangements, whether in classical or popular music, ”Says Nový.
In the end, Councilor Třeštíková adds, if people can enjoy culture as before the covid, it is necessary to approach specific functioning. And that is exactly what the current situation requires. “I do not see the use of disinfection, wearing respirators or drapes and proving infectivity as a restriction, but as a privilege of contributions that guarantees our safe functioning, and I am glad to be able to stand up for it,“Concludes Třeštíková.