Summerfest Organizers Scale Back COVID Precautions

Guests won’t need to wear masks, show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or show proof of vaccination this year, a move that comes as COVID-19 cases continue to trend downward in Wisconsin.

Justin Bieber performs during the Triller Fight Club Night at Mercedes Benz Stadium on April 17, 2021 in Atlanta.
Robb Cohen/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Organizers of Milwaukee’s Summerfest music celebration are planning to scale back COVID-19 precautions this year.

WTMJ-AM reported that festival organizers announced Wednesday (Feb. 16) that guests won’t need to wear masks, show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or show proof of vaccination to enter the grounds this year.

“MWF will monitor the situation and continue to work closely with health experts, while following local guidelines,” festival officials said in a news release.

The move comes as COVID-19 cases continue to trend downward in Wisconsin. The seven-day average of confirmed tests stood at 1,371 as of Thursday, down from 18,101 on Jan. 16, according to the latest data from the state health department data.

Organizers canceled the festival in 2020 after the pandemic began. Last year they moved the festival from mid-summer to early September. Summerfest will be held on three consecutive weekends this year: June 23-25, June 30-July 2 and July 7-9. Justin Bieber is scheduled to perform on June 24 and Rod Stewart on July 7.

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