Unvaccinated audiences will have to provide a negative COVID-19 test to see any screening at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), according to new guidelines from the organizers.

The festival, which runs Sept. 9 to 19, updated its health and safety protocols today (Aug. 23), stating that any staff, ticket holders or visitors to its indoor venues must either show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or proof of a negative COVID-19 test dating within the 48 hours prior to entering a TIFF venue.

The rule applies to the TIFF Bell Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, the Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre, Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, the Cinesphere Imax Theatre and the West Island Open Air Cinema at Ontario Place.

Drive-in venues, including Visa Skyline Drive-In and RBC Lakeside Drive-In at Ontario Place, are exempt as audiences will remain in their cars.

The announcement comes as the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Ontario has sharply risen. The province reported 639 new cases today and hit 722 cases on Sunday (Aug. 22), the highest since early June.

The change is in addition to other safety measures previously in place for TIFF, which includes mandatory masks at all venues, no concession sales at indoor venues and no rush or indoor lineups for tickets.

“TIFF has taken great care and consideration in implementing these TIFF-specific protocols to mitigate risk to audiences and guests,” said TIFF co-heads Joana Vicente and Cameron Bailey in a joint statement. “We have relied on municipal and provincial medical direction and advice on rapid testing and we expect this will provide another level of clarity and comfort for all 2021 festival goers.”