More local events have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak including the Stratford Festival.
Blackburn News has started an ongoing cancellation list of events being cancelled. Click here for that information.
The Stratford Festival is cancelling performances between April 11 and May 2 to help mitigate the impact of coronavirus.
That includes public events in its facilities during March and April.
Anthony Cimolino is the Artistic Director and says the performing arts are facing the biggest challenge in living memory.
“The motto ‘The show must go on!’ is bred in the bone and it’s therefore very difficult to break out of that mindset. But sometimes the show cannot go on. It is extremely important for public health that we do our part to protect our people and lessen the burden on our healthcare system,” stated Cimolino in a release.
Planning is underway for a streamed version of the annual general meeting, scheduled for March 28.
Many childcare operations have also been suspended, including St. Marys.
In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and following a directive from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Minister of Education, the Town of St. Marys is temporarily closing the St. Marys Child Care Centre.
The Before and After School Programs that run at Holy Name of Mary School and Little Falls Public School, and the EarlyON programs that run at the Pyramid Recreation Centre and St. Marys Public Library are also being cancelled.
Due to COVID-19, the Township of Mapleton is cancelling all Public Events within the township until further notice. This consists of suspending rentals at any facilities. Including, PMD Arena, Moorefield Community Centre and the Alma Community Centre.The Mitchell Optimist Music Festival, which was scheduled from March 23rd to April 3rd, has been cancelled. Also, the Town of Hanover has announced their March Break Day Camp program has been cancelled and refunds are available.
Many other local events are postponed or cancelled, including all local hockey leagues. As of right now, the Listowel Paddyfest celebration is scheduled to run, but the organizers say they are in constant contact with the municipality and local health authorities on how best to proceed.
Bruce County has cancelled all non-essential programming due to the COVID 19 outbreak.
A release from the County says they are using an overabundance of caution to ensure the safety of residents.
programs offered at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, Bruce County Public Library Branches and the EarlyON Child and Family Centres will be cancelled from March 14 until April 5.
Staff are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and Bruce County has emergency management practices in place. The County recommends that the public follow the proper hygiene protocols outlined by the Provincial Medical Officer of Health:
Currently, the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit reports no cases in the Grey Bruce region, but the public is encouraged to stay up to date at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.
Healthy Hearts Cardiac Rehabilitation announced last night it is following the province's lead and suspending its program until April 5th.
In a message to CKNX officials say: "The health and safety of our participants and staff are of utmost important to Healthy Hearts. The situation will be monitored and addressed accordingly."
A number of local hockey leagues are also suspending their seasons to protect players and fans. The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival is also cancelled and Bruce Power closed its visitor's centre. ' Students all across Ontario are going to get an extended March Break this year, thanks to the coronavirus.
