NORWICH — After Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that most COVID mandates would be lifted, the Chenango Blues Association announced they would be updating their guidelines for the NBT Bank Summer Concert Series and the Chenango Blues Fest.

Earlier this week, Chenango Blues Association Representative Eric Larsen acknowledged that the guidelines change rapidly, and stated, "The minute we're allowed to go back to doing it the old way we will." It seems that day came sooner rather than later.

Now, the Summer Concert Series will look a lot like it used to, according to Larsen.

"So our understanding is that the press conference yesterday by Governor Cuomo and accompanying press release says that outdoor events no longer need to do the COVID screening," said Larsen. "For our Thursday night shows, no more need for fences, for checking vaccination, it's a huge improvement."

He also stated that masking and social distancing will now be "on the honor system," as they will not be checking for proof of vaccination.

"We will have signage advising people who have not been vaccinated that they should wear masks and social distance," said Larsen. "We are still looking to follow the guidance and right now the guidance would be that if you aren't vaccinated you should socially distance and wear a mask, but it will be on the honor system."