State announces school graduation, prom rules

NEW YORK STATE--Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced updated guidance for graduation, commencement and other end-of-year ceremonies organized by schools, colleges and universities, Monday, April 12. Effective May 1, indoor and outdoor graduation and commencement ceremonies will be allowed with limited attendee capacity, depending on the event size and the location (e.g., stadium, arena, arts and entertainment venue). All event organizers and venues hosting ceremonies must follow the state's health and safety protocols, including requiring face masks, social distancing, health screenings and collection of contact tracing information.
"We're once again approaching the end of the academic year which means we need strict rules in place to ensure commencement ceremonies are done safely in the context of the ongoing pandemic," Cuomo said. "With more people getting vaccinated every day, we are so close to the light at the end of the tunnel, but we all need to continue being vigilant and I am urging everyone to celebrate smart."
For events that exceed the social gathering limits of 100 people indoors or 200 people outdoors, event organizers and venues must notify the local health department and require attendees in certain instances to show proof of a recent negative test result or proof of completed immunization prior to entry.
Outdoor Events:
• Large-scale ceremonies of over 500 people at outdoor venues will be limited to 20 percent of capacity, applicable to venues with a total capacity of 2,500 or more. Proof of recent negative test or immunization required.
• Medium-scale ceremonies of 201-500 people at outdoor venues will be limited to 33 percent of capacity. Proof of recent negative test or immunization required.
• Small-scale ceremonies of up to 200 people or 2 attendees per student at outdoor venues will be limited to 50 percent of capacity. Proof of recent negative test result or proof of completed immunization is optional.
Indoor Events:
• Large-scale ceremonies of over 150 people at indoor venues will be limited to 10 percent of capacity, applicable to venues with a total capacity of 1,500 or more. Proof of recent negative test or immunization required.
• Medium-scale ceremonies of 101-150 people at indoor venues will be limited to 33 percent of capacity. Proof of recent negative test or immunization required.
• Small-scale ceremonies of up to 100 people or 2 attendees per student at indoor venues will be limited to 50 percent of capacity. Proof of recent negative test result or proof of completed immunization is optional.
The updated guidance also states effective June 1, end of academic year social gatherings organized by educational institutions (e.g., proms and balls) may occur, in accordance with the guidance.