Council provides update on operating arrangements at The Ardhowen and Strule Arts Centre theatres

Following the decision by the NI Executive to remove the legal requirement to socially distance in indoor seated venues such as theatres, concert halls and cinemas from 30 September 2021, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has advised the following mitigating measures, in line with NI Executive guidance, will be in place at The Ardhowen, Enniskillen and Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, theatres from Monday 4 October 2021.

• • Audience members will be required to demonstrate their Covid status, including proof of being fully vaccinated, or proof of a negative lateral flow rapid test, or proof of natural immunity from a positive PCR test undertaken in the previous 30-180 days;
  • Wearing of a face covering will be required when moving around the venue and during performances, unless exempt;
  • Hand sanitising stations will be available throughout both venues;
  • Maximising the amount of fresh air circulating around the venue during performances;
  • One-way system in place within venues; and
  • Regular cleaning of high contact areas.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson, said:

“This announcement by the NI Executive is a positive step in our road to recovery and is to be welcomed. However, Covid is still within our communities, and it is important that everybody continues to follow public health guidance and all mitigating measures put in place to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

In addition to the mitigating measures recommended by the government such as proof of Covid status and hand sanitising stations, the teams at The Ardhowen and Strule Arts Centre have put in place a range of additional measures such as contactless tickets and cashless payments to help people feel safe and comfortable when they visit so they can enjoy a great night out at the theatre.

The Council continues to follow government guidance and advice in relation to the reopening of our services and facilities, however, the return to full capacity at our theatres will be a managed and gradual process to ensure the continued safety of customers and staff.”

Rapid lateral flow test packs are available to collect free of charge from the Council’s Connect Centres at County Buildings, Enniskillen and Strule House, High Street, Omagh, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. They are also available from a number of community pharmacies across the district or can be ordered online by visiting www.gov.uk.

Rapid lateral flow tests are only suitable for people with no symptoms. Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should self-isolate and book a PCR test immediately.

For further information on visiting The Ardhowen or the Strule Arts Centre or for forthcoming performances please visit the venue website or telephone the Box Office at www.ardhowen.com, 028 6632 5540 and www.struleartscentre.co.uk, 028 8224 7831.