Taiwan’s culture ministry is doing its part to stop a novel strain of coronavirus from spreading. It is making sure patrons at ministry-affiliated theaters get checked for signs of illness before they are allowed inside.
The ongoing outbreak of novel coronavirus has reached Taiwan at a less-than-ideal moment for traditional theater troupes. With the Lunar New Year holiday now over, it’s the start of a new theatrical season. The number of coronavirus cases in Taiwan remains small, but there’s been heightened vigilance about possible transmission in public places- places like theaters.
Still, the show must go on. Performances continue at theaters affiliated with the culture ministry. And for their part, theatergoers haven’t let the virus keep them away either. On Thursday, patrons filled one ministry-affiliated theater at the National Center of Traditional Arts.
They came to see a performance by the GuoGuang Opera Troupe, a renowned Taiwanese company that performs Peking Opera. The production featured auspicious theater pieces designed to get the new season off to a lucky start. The performance was as masterful as ever.
The only difference was at the theater entrance.
Center Director Chen Chi-ming says that all patrons entering theaters connected with the culture ministry are now being screened for signs of fever before they can be admitted. Those with a body temperature above 37.5C will be given a surgical mask and sent to get medical treatment. Theater managers hope this policy will keep patrons coming in and stop the novel coronavirus from stealing the spotlight.