As more and more people are tested for Corona Virus, aka COVID-19, and more positive cases are revealed, large scale events and music festivals are being postponed and canceled, the latest being South By Southwest 2020 in Austin, Texas.
A few major companies had already pulled out of the event ahead if time, including Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Twitter. Following that news, Austin city officials came to a decision to cancel the event, and released a statement explaining their choice. Read the full statement below.
"The City of Austin has cancelled the March dates for SXSW and SXSW EDU. SXSW with faithfully follow the City's directions.
We are devastated to share this news with you. 'The show must go on' is in our DNA, and this is the first time in 34 years that the March event will not take place. We are now working through the ramifications of this unprecedented situation. As recently as Wednesday, Austin Public Health stated that 'there's no evidence that closing SXSW or any other gatherings will make the community safer.' However, this situation evolved rapidly, and we honor and respect the City of Austin's decision. We are committed to do our part to help protect our staff, attendees, and fellow Austinites."
SXSW is the latest in festivals to be canceled among the Corona Virus outbreak. EDM music festival Ultra Music Festival in Miami, which has been "postponed" until 2021, effectively canceling this year's event.
This year's Calle Ocho Festival, also in Miami, has been canceled as well. Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes tweeted of the event, "The safety and health of our residents is always our first priority. For this reason, the @CityofMiami and the organizers of Calle Ocho Festival have agreed to cancel this year's event."
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