(Credit: Basel.com)

Update: Theater Basel changed its previous decision and extended the shutdown until Nov. 30, 2020.

The Theater Basel has announced the cancelation of all performances until Dec. 14, 2020. The authorities of the City of Basel have capped the number of spectators for all events to 15, which has forced the Theater Basel to extend its shutdown.

Among the canceled operas are Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” and Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte.”

COVID-19 new daily infections continue to rise in the western part of Switzerland, which has prompted authorities to impose new drastic measures in order to curb the current pandemic wave. Furthermore, WHO expert Dr. David Nabarro warned European governments that if they do not impose strict measures to stop the current COVID-19 wave, Europe will see a third wave in the beginning of 2021.

Switzerland has been hit hard with a second COVID-19 wave, with new daily infections reaching a peak of 10,098 on Nov. 5, 2020. The current situation has led to near saturation of ICU’s in the country.