The Stratford Festival has announced more closures and temporary layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week the Festival cancelled events and performances through May 2, and this week suspended rehearsals until the end of May as it became clear that social distancing was not compatible with the requirements of the process.

In a release, the Festival states it is awaiting further direction from the government, but in the meantime, it has been forced to issue a number of temporary layoffs.

Executive director, Anita Gaffney, says they “simply can’t go on with no revenue coming through.”

Gaffney says the decision to make temporary layoffs was difficult, but necessary. Their discussions with the government have led to the extension of EI benefits to workers who had previously not qualified, and was a factor in their decision.

The Festival will provide more updates as they become available.