City of Southlake
The city of Southlake has canceled the 2020 Celebrate Southlake event, originally scheduled for March 20, due to fears surrounding the coronavirus.
The coronavirus, or COVID-19, is an infectious disease that causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. The first confirmed case was in Wuhan, China in December last year according to the World Health Organization, with the first test-positive patient confirmed in Tarrant County earlier this week.
“The leadership team has evaluated the current situation and reviewed advice from federal, state and county experts,” assistant city manager Alison Ortowski says in a press release. “It’s prudent to limit large public gatherings at this time since we know the virus is present in our area and potentially spreading.”
The celebration will be rescheduled for later this year if possible, according to the release.
“We were looking forward to hosting the event in its third year and are disappointed to postpone it," Alison says. "However, we strongly believe it will be more successful if offered at a time when we can come together and enjoy community fellowship worry-free."
To reduce the risk of infection, the city is encouraging citizens to:
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds and more frequently than you do now. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Try not to touch your face.
- Stay at home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
- Remember to frequently disinfect touched objects and surfaces at the office and at home.
To stay up to date on the city's response to the coronavirus, go online at ProtectSouthlake.com.