The Madison Ballet canceled its final performances of “The Nutcracker” due to breakthrough COVID-19 cases, WISC-TV reported. 

Ballet officials said in a Facebook statement that it was a difficult decision to cancel the final shows, but it did so for the health and safety of its performers and audience members.

“Despite the incredible efforts of the organization and Overture Center for the Arts to ensure the safety of audiences and artists alike, the current situation has forced this difficult decision for the health of our community,” the company said in its statement.  

The Madison Ballet earlier this month performed four shows for an audience of Afghan refugees at Fort McCoy, according to WISC-TV.

According to The Associated Press, attendees at previous performances were required to follow a mask mandate and show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test with a photo ID. 

The U.S. is currently dealing with a winter surge of COVID-19 infections as the omicron variant has taken hold across the nation.

The Biden administration announced last week that starting in January it will begin a nationwide program that will distribute free at-home testing kits to citizens who request them.

All ticket buyers impacted by the canceled shows will be able to receive a full refund, WISC-TV noted.