Is SNL breaking New York coronavirus rules by having a live audience?

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

New York Department of Health spokesperson Gary Holmes said Wednesday that the state banned ticketed events on March 16 and "that restriction has not changed." New York's COVID-19 rules state that television shows and other media productions are prohibited from having a live audience unless it is made up entirely of paid employees, cast or crew. "Offering tickets to the general public without the appropriate casting and screening process is not allowed," Holmes wrote in an email Wednesday to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. "We have communicated that to SNL and expect them to follow the rules like every other business that has reopened during this global pandemic." SNL has been accepting ticket requests for Saturday's show through an audience casting agency. The show is requiring all audience members to submit to a coronavirus test and a temperature check. An SNL spokesperson says the show is working with the department and following all guidelines.