'The Elf On The Shelf' Canceled At Count Basie Due To COVID-19

RED BANK, NJ — The two performances of "The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical" scheduled for Thursday at Count Basie Center for the Arts have been canceled after a crew member of the show tested positive.

"After careful consideration of the health and safety of our cast, crew, and ticket holders, we have made the difficult decision to cancel today's two performances," the Elf on the Shelf production said. "This decision follows a positive COVID test result among our crew and is being done out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of all involved."

Anyone with tickets to the show will be able to get a refund at the point of purchase. Credit card sales will be refunded automatically.

"We are grateful to all of those that included this show as part of their family’s holiday celebration this year and sincerely regret any inconvenience that this cancellation causes," the production also said.

Count Basie clarified that no one from the center tested positive for COVID-19.

"The Elf On The Shelf tour, whose decision to shut down was met with our appreciation and understanding, was never onsite at the Basie Center," a representative said. "Obviously, we all wish there was no COVID and that all of our shows could carry on safely and as scheduled!"

READ MORE: Holiday Express At Count Basie Canceled Due To COVID

Earlier this week, Holiday Express's performance at Count Basie was also canceled out of concern for the rise in COVID-19 cases.

"Due to rising COVID cases, and out of an abundance of caution, we are canceling The Count Basie Benefit shows scheduled for Tuesday, December 21st and Wednesday, December 22nd," the non-profit organization said on Facebook.

Just over the weekend, 2,036 Additional new COVID-19 cases were registered in Monmouth County, with five new deaths related to the virus.

All New Jersey counties still have a "high" level of transmission — including Monmouth —, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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