FREDONIA — The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center has updated its COVID guidelines in response to the County’s rising COVID positivity rate and the presence of the Delta variant in western New York.

Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis notes that “effective immediately, in accordance with CDC guidelines, we are asking all patrons, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks for the duration of their visit when attending Opera House events.”

Davis says he hopes this will be a temporary measure and he asks for everyone’s cooperation. “We thank everyone in advance for their understanding and assistance. Our success in providing an entertaining evening depends on approaching staff and one another with an extra helping of kindness and understanding.”

The Opera House reopened to live audiences in mid-July and to date has been presenting movies only. The first live performance event is scheduled for Sept. 25 when Ekstasis Duo performs. Davis says the support and cooperation of its patrons with the masking requirement will enable the Opera House to remain open.