Arkansas governor doesn't approve of socially distant Travis McCready concert going ahead this week

Earlier this month, TempleLive venue in Fort Smith, Arkansas, announced a new concert with Bishop Gunn's lead vocalist Travis McCready to take place on 15 May.

The venue, which can usually host 1,100 people at maximum capacity, would allow 229 people in the venue to adhere to social distancing measures. Attendees will have to have their temperature taken upon arrival and would be required to wear face masks during the event. There's also a limit to 10 people in the bathrooms at one time, and all drinks will be prepackaged and have lids. Venue workers will also be operating a one-way walk system to enforce social distancing.

Despite the venue trying to follow social distancing measures, Asa Hutchinson, the governor of Arkansas, has revealed he doesn't approve of the concert going ahead.

Rolling Stone reports that the Arkansas Department of Health is issuing a cease and desist order to the TempleLive venue. Hutchinson said yesterday (12 May), "In terms of the concert, there will be a cease and desist order that will be issued by the Department of Health directing that that concert not take place, which is an official legal order and directive that will go out."

The concert is due to take place three days before Arkansas will allow indoor venues to reopen. The governor approved of venues reopening on 18 May as long as they limit their audience to less than 50 people and follow social distancing measures.