“Broadway: ALL IN THE CARDS to Not Close Again”

The shutting down of Broadway in March of 2020 alarmed and deeply distressed many people. (Not to mention, left hundreds of the Broadway stars, crew, directors, custodians, and box-office attendants without a job). It’s been a full year and 6 months since the bright lights, the dazzling musicals, and the famous stars were not shinning. However, Broadway recently re-opened (this September, 2021) and people are thrilled.

Or, at least, many were until a serious problem began to strike the seats of the theaters.

It has been only a month since the re-opening of Broadway, and the quest for valid vaccination cards is a major problem that cause people to hesitate before they buy their ticket.

The show Aladdin has already closed due to false Covid vaccination cards, and false negative Covid tests. The show still remains closed for a few more weeks, however, the closing of Aladdin poses a certain question that perturbs many.

Why is it that people keep faking their Covid vaccination cards?

It is not just Broadway theaters either. There are various restaurants, bars, gyms, and indoor arenas that require people to wear their masks and show their vaccination cards. So, why do people not want to get vaccinated?

Many say it is due to fear over what the vaccine contains, while others say it is plain old stubbornness from the people. Regardless of the reason, there is no doubt that this issue is a cause for great division, as it seems that non-vaccinated people get a bad rep from vaccinated people.

Nicole Mastrianni, a 21-year-old student at Dominican College, who is vaccinated, says, “I think some people want life to get back to normal but still aren’t comfortable with getting the vaccine”.

If that is the case, there are many who would agree that life does not seem to be getting back to normal, and will not until everyone is on the same page. Taking this into consideration, everyone seems to want to be right, but who is?

When asked who seems to be most at risk for getting Corona virus, 45-year-old, Rhina Carpio, a nurse who is vaccinated, answered, “people with underlying diseases, and elderly people. The people who have those problems and aren’t vaccinated especially,”.

The desire to “get back to normal” has proved to be dire. It is obvious many people want to return to the way the world was before the corona virus outbreak. Mastrianni, who had recently gone to an indoor concert says fake vaccination cards are “most a problem at in-person events”, such as concerts and restaurants. However, Carpio has a slightly different opinion, claiming this problem is everywhere.

“Someone could definitely have the virus, not show symptoms and walk around with a fake card anywhere, and spread the disease”, she says. The difference in opinion shows the variety of concern there is for this dilemma, but also the division in perception.

When asked what problems this situation causes, the answers varied, including identity theft, but came to the same conclusion: people are not protecting others. The situation is troublesome and irritating, and it leaves most people to feel almost desperate.

Both Nicole Mastrianni and Rhina Carpio answered in great annoyance when asked when they both felt most irritated with people who’ve faked their vaccine cards. “I feel most irritated because I got vaccinated,” Mastrianni answered, adding, “people are not doing the right things for the community, they are only thinking for themselves,”.

Similarly, Carpio answered, “they don’t think everybody else are as important. It seems as if they don’t think other people deserve their care,”. Both interviewees were irritated, clearly showing their frustration. The similarity in active response between the two did not go unnoticed, and when questioned how they felt, they both gave long responses.

Carpio mentioned the words ‘unfair’, and ‘compromise’, saying, “…it’s unfair because they want to have the same benefits as those who are vaccinated…to have the freedom of enjoying everything but they don’t want the compromise of caring for others,”.

Mastrianni mentioned that it made her feel ‘scared’ because “this virus is not going away completely”. The threat of possibly contracting the virus, whether for the first time, or again, is not something anybody wants. Especially, since states around the country are opening up business again, and inviting people in.

According to NYC Health, people 12 and older are required to show proof of vaccination for at least one dose. Both Mastrianni and Carpio both live in the state of New York, and understand these guidelines very well. However, “people don’t care” Carpio said. It is a matter of great concern because “it has to do with the safety of all, not just of one” (Carpio).

Both interviewees were concerned with the people who leave the state, specifically to fly on plane, expressing their concerns. It was noted, according to the CDC, people should delay their travel plans until they are fully vaccinated. Carpio mentioned however, that she had been on a plane recently, but she was fully vaccinated.

With all the new rules and regulations, there are people who find them somewhat easy to follow, and others who despise buying another hand sanitizer. They are not the problem. The problem stems from those who do not want to follow the rules as it causes division amongst the two groups.

When presented with this idea, Mastrianni ended the interview on a positive note, which she deemed as “summing up” her attitude.

“I remember society as never perfect but we always battle these things,” she said.

And well said it was.

Carpio, R. (2021, October 5). Personal Interview. [personal interview].

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, October 4). Domestic Travel During Covid-19. CDC.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html

Mastrianni, N. (2021, October 3). Personal Interview. [personal interview]

Marais, Michael. Covid sign. (2020). [photograph]. https://unsplash.com/photos/vbKt49BXOn0

National Cancer Institute. shot. (2020). [photograph]. https://unsplash.com/photos/fi3zHLxWrYw

NYC Health. Vaccination Proof for Indoor Activities (Key to NYC). nyc.gov. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccines-keytonyc.page

Starnes Sr, Roger. Covid Shots. [photograph]. https://unsplash.com/photos/pvLqXLVMsis

Weiss, Angela. View of Aladdin Theater. (2021) [photograph]. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/aladdin-broadway-canceled-two-weeks-covid-cases-1235024380/