New air purification system installed at Registry Theatre
Posted Mar 1, 2022 04:15:00 PM.
The Registry Theatre in downtown Kitchener has improved its ventilation system.
The UVDI air purification is a set of two UV lights installed inside the theatre's duct work. It eliminates 99.99 per cent of the SARS-CoV-2 particles inside the auditorium.
“It's a forced-air system, and the air is getting blown through the duct system to heat or cool the auditorium. The air that is being circulated or drawn in from outside has to pass through these UV lights,” said Sam Varteniuk, executive director of The Registry Theatre.
More restrictions were lifted by the province on Tuesday, but for the theatre, it is taking a wait-and-see approach.
“We are still trying to get a handle on this. The Ford government has still not put out the precise details that we need to follow in regards to collecting information, contact tracing, and concession sales.” he said.
The theatre will be abiding by all public health measures. But even though the province announced capacity sizes can be at 100 per cent starting March 1, Varteniuk said they are keeping the auditorium capacity at 50 to 75 per cent for the first month.
“The province may say certain requirements are no longer required, but the region may step in and say we are going to require them.”
The theatre will be opening its doors on March 16 with Runa: Celtic Roots. Tickets were sold to the public before the easing of restrictions was announced. Varteniuk said they want to ensure audience goers and the artist experience comes first.
“If the government says masking is still required, we are going to do that. If vaccine passports are still being checked, we will check them. We will also be listening to our partners and renters. We have allowed people to make certain decisions about how they want to operate their event at the theatre, which gives them latitude in terms of how they wish to implement COVID safety.”
Music, art, and dance and theatre lovers are reminded the UV air purification system is not intended to replace any COVID protocols. But instead, augment and support COVID-19 safety protocols, Varteniuk added.
