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Shepparton Festival’s organisers have confirmed its opening (tonight) and Quarry Chorus event scheduled for tomorrow night are going ahead, along with all other scheduled events for this weekend.
Following Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement this afternoon, Shepparton Festival chair Fiona Smolenaars said from Monday next week (March 16), non-essential organised mass gatherings with over 500 people “should be cancelled”.
“Events scheduled for this weekend are fine to go ahead,” Ms Smolenaars said.
“You may have seen and heard about various large events being cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“The Prime Minister was very clear about the fact that this is a very proactive response and that there is no need to cancel events scheduled for this weekend.
“The state’s premiers agreed with this.''
Ms Smolenaars advised people not to attend any Shepparton Festival events if they had cold or flu-like symptoms, compromised immunity, had recently visited mainland China, Iran, or Italy, or had been in close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 infection.
“If you hold tickets but choose not to attend, please let us know – we have people on the waiting list,” she said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and make necessary precautions where required in the best interests of our participants, team, volunteers and patrons.
“We will ensure we adjust our measures according to the best scientific advice available to us from our Commonwealth and Victorian health authorities; so, stay tuned.
“The Shepparton Festival board and management have worked tirelessly with artists and contributors to bring you this year’s incredible program.
“To our faithful festival family, thank you for contributing, volunteering, buying tickets and registering for events; we thank you for your support.”
Greater Shepparton City Council chief executive Peter Harriott said the council would be following advice from the Department of Health and Human Services.
“No events have been cancelled at this point, however this may change as the situation progresses and more advice from DHHS is forthcoming,” he said.
The latest official guidelines on steps to prevent transmission/infection, who is at risk, and what the symptoms are available at: www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
If you have any questions about specific events, email admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Updates will also be available via the festival's Facebook page and on the website www.sheppartonfestival.org.au