Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the U.S., has stated that he believes theaters can reopen in the fall of 2021.

He did stipulate that this would be possible IF the vaccine was distributed “diligently” and “correctly” through next July.

“Schools, theaters, sports events, restaurants — I believe if we do it correctly, we will be there by the early fall,” Fauci told California Gov. Gavin Newsom during a virtual conversation. “If we do the kind of vaccines through April, June, July, that by the time we get to the early fall, we will have enough good herd immunity to be able to really get back to some strong semblance of normality.”

Almost all opera companies across have already announced the shutdown of their 2021 season due to the ongoing concerns over COVID-19. Only a few have announced intentions to push forward with the season as planned, while others have already announced their plans for the 2021-22 season.