- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Soper Reese Theatre, Winegrape Commission among groups canceling events due to COVID-19 concerns
While so far no cases of COVID-19 – the disease caused by the novel coronavirus – have been confirmed in Lake County, the action follows updated guidelines state officials issued on Wednesday that called for postponing or canceling gatherings through the end of the month.
Non-essential gatherings are limited to no more than 250 people. Smaller events are allowed if organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person, and gatherings of individuals at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people, while also following social distancing guidelines, officials said.
On Thursday, Soper Reese Managing Director Michael Adams said the decision had been made to cancel the March 14 performance of the Rural Jazz Collective and March 21 performance of Wendy Dewitt's Hell'a Piano Party.
"While the theater plays an important part in adding to the breadth of entertainment and culture in the community we feel it's important for the theatre to not add to the possibility of spread of any threat to the community's health,” said Adams.
“Since the extent of that threat is unknown at this time, it is best to err on the side of caution. Lake County has not yet reported any outbreaks of the COVIC-19 virus and therefore is fortunate to have the opportunity to take proactive steps to minimize any spread of existing unknown cases. It is our hope to be a part of slowing the spread rather than enhancing it,” Adams said.
Adams said the theatre will continue to monitor federal and local health department information and recommendations that are in the best interest of the community.
On Thursday night, the Lake County Winegrape Commission said that it has canceled Momentum 2020, its local wine industry event, which was scheduled for March 26, based on the state guidelines.
“It is our hope that Momentum 2020 can be rescheduled in the coming months,” the commission said in an emailed statement.
Also on Thursday, the Middletown Area Town Hall canceled its monthly meeting, set for Thursday night, the University of California Cooperative Extension postponed its March 19 Lake County Walnut Update, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said it is suspending normal visits to the Lake County Jail until further notice, the Unitarian Universalist Community of Lake County said it’s canceling its March 15 service and local parents received word that the Little League International is delaying the beginning of the Little League season until April 6.
Earlier this week, the Lake County Silver Foundation announced it was postponing its April 4 Senior Summit and the Lake County Fair Foundation canceled its fourth annual Lake County Agriculture and Natural Resource Day for local school children. That event was set for March 26.
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