In conjunction with New Orleans's phased reopening plans,
the city is announcing Reopen Every Venue Safely (REVS), a program designed to
encourage best practices in music venues to limit coronavirus's spread. It will
provide technical assistance, so that live music can happen safely in these
places once more.
The campaign includes New Orleans and seven other cities, or
"pilot communities," including Los Angeles and Chicago, as well as other
countries, such as Canada and the U.K.
REVS is a sort of umbrella organization facilitating
cooperation between coalition cities. The participating locations will
coordinate resources and information, ironing out best-practice protocols in
real time. Once New Orleans and its partners figure out what works, they'll
advise other communities.
Because this level of organization presents a novel
challenge for most cities, REVS boasts a "national leadership council." The
council includes venue operators, government employees, and public health
experts who will help facilitate the process.
In a press release, Mayor Cantrell said, "Being a part of
the REVS initiative will allow our city the support we need to reopen music
venues in a thoughtful way."
