As theaters remain closed due to the coronavirus, many of America’s independent venues are in peril of closing forever.

According to a new survey conducted by the National Independent Venue Association, as much as 90 percent of independent venues across all 50 states report that they will be unable to operate longer than six months without federal support.

Appealing to Congress, the NIVA is requesting they alter the existing Paycheck Protection Program to allow for aid in the form of six months’ worth of payroll, benefits, operating costs, and insurance coverage that is required while they remain closed. Their requests also include loan forgiveness, tax credits, and benefits for part-time workers.

Letters of support for NIVA’s requests have been sent to Senate and House leaders by a bi-partisan group of 150 Congressmen, saying, “Live event venues were among the first to close as COVID-19 spread across the country, and they are likely to be among the last to reopen. Concerts and live events may not be possible until a vaccine is readily available to the public, which could be months away.

“Until that time, live event venues will remain shuttered, leaving employees without jobs and businesses without revenue. The continued closures will impact the hundreds of contractors, suppliers, and business partners that support the live entertainment industry in our states and districts.”