Patchogue Theatre: Despite Coronavirus, The Show Will Go On

PATCHOGUE, NY — With the recent outbreak of the coronavirus affecting certain entertainment venues and events across the United States, the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts is assuring residents that the show will go on.

Following the news of the first confirmed case of the new coronavirus in Suffolk County, the theater said in a statement Monday it is "closely monitoring" the virus and prioritizing the health and well-being of its patrons, artists and workers. However, it will not cancel any shows or performances just yet.

As a precautionary measure, all public and private areas in the building will be sanitized after every performance with a virus-killing disinfectant approved by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The entire theatre, including all seats - front, back, bottoms and arm rests - all floors including rugs, all counter tops, front of house, backstage, bathrooms, and all door frames and handles are being treated with VIREX after every performance," the theater said. "The staff will continue to engage in ongoing conversations to provide the best and safest facility for patrons."

The upcoming shows scheduled to take place at the theatre this next week includes The Diary of Anne Frank on Friday and Saturday as well as the bagpipe band Red Hot Chilli Pipers on Tuesday.

On Sunday, Suffolk County confirmed its first case of the new coronavirus. The man, who is in his 40s and was reportedly treated at Eastern Long Island Hospital and then taken to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital works at Greenport Harbor Brewing Company in Peconic. This brings the number of cases of the new coronavirus up to 142. In New York, Westchester County in the Hudson Valley has the most cases by far at 98, followed by 19 in New York City and 17 in Long Island's Nassau County. Rockland County has four confirmed cases while Saratoga has two, Suffolk has one and Ulster has one. Eight people have been hospitalized, Cuomo said, or about 6 percent.

No cases of the coronavirus have been reported in Patchogue as of Monday.