CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Orchestra has just made it a little easier to attend their popular holiday concerts.

The group said in a promotion for their 2021 holiday concerts on Friday that they would expand their list of acceptable COVID-19 safety precautions for unvaccinated guests aged three and older to include certified laboratory antigen testing , which can be done at home.

These tests, which can be purchased over the counter and involve a virtual appointment with a lab, must be completed within 24 hours of the date of the concert. Proof of a negative test can be provided by paper, photo, or smartphone app, such as CLEAR.

The previous standard for testing-based admission to Severance Music Center was a PCR test, which must be administered by a healthcare professional. These tests are always accepted and must be completed within 72 hours of performance.

Vaccinated guests should always display proof of status in the form of their vaccination card or an accepted smartphone app. These guests must have received their second injection (or a single injection, in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccinated) at least two weeks before the date of the concert.

All guests, regardless of their age or immunization status, must always wear face masks over their mouths and noses for the duration of the show. Neck warmers and bandanas are not permitted. Guests without a suitable face covering will receive a disposable mask upon entry.

The Cleveland Orchestra’s Holiday 2021 concerts begin Thursday, December 9 and continue through Sunday, December 19. This year, the program features former associate conductor Brett Mitchell leading the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus in a variety of holiday favorites and light classical music. on a decorated stage. For detailed information and tickets, visit clevelandorchestra.com.