Concert venues impose COVID rules; food stamp boost extended

A look at coronavirus developments around New England:

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MAINE

Maine’s concert venues are reemerging from a pandemic hiatus, and many are setting strict rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

One Longfellow Square, which was shuttered for 20 months, is the latest venue to adopt a vaccine requirement. It’s also requiring that the audience, staff and performers wear masks.

Aura, another Portland venue, has adopted the same stance.

“It’s our job to make this venue as safe as possible before we have concerts back in,” said Jeff Beam, manager of One Longfellow Square.

The Portland Symphony Orchestra is trying a hybrid approach — requiring a COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination to see live performances inside Merrill Auditorium. The PSO also plans stream concerts online.

Even outdoor venues are taking steps to ensure safety. Thompson’s Point is requiring proof of a negative test or a vaccination for people to see Phish founder Trey Anastasio performed later this month.

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

The Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery has launched the COVID-19 Expenses Relief Program to assist local businesses with pandemic-related business expenses from this year and last.

Many small businesses are still in need of financial assistance during the pandemic, said Taylor Caswell, the group's executive director. He said the expenses relief program will help small businesses offset a portion of its COVID-19-related costs.

Eligible businesses can apply for reimbursement of a portion of their eligible expenses until 4 p.m. on Oct. 1.

Awards will be issued following the application deadline, on a capped, pro-rata basis dependent upon total eligible expenses, such as costs incurred while closed and reopening due to the...