TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Tallahassee city commissioner Jeremy Matlow says he believes "it is the city’s best interest to postpone Springtime Tallahassee."
The Governor has recommended postponing large gatherings. Caution is needed and I believe it is the city’s best interest to postpone Springtime Tallahassee. https://t.co/RjjyPoaGdT
— Commissioner Jeremy Matlow (@Seat3TLH) March 12, 2020
So far, Springtime Tallahassee organizers have not announced any plans to cancel. Matlow's comments come after Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference in Miami where he recommended postponing large gatherings.
According to CDC, mass gatherings can be 1000 people or more at a specific location for a specific purpose. Practically speaking, a mass gathering can be thought of as any assembly of people large enough to strain local resources.https://t.co/XHkQb6NXE6
— Helen Aguirre Ferré (@helenaguirrefer) March 12, 2020
Thursday morning, officials said the Springtime Tallahassee Festival is still on for March 27 - 28 after they consulted the City of Tallahassee and the Florida Department of Health.
Organizers say they while they are continuing to monitor the coronavirus outbreak, they have no plans to cancel the festivities at this time.
"The safety of our members, volunteers, vendors, parade participants and attendees is of the utmost importance. Springtime Tallahassee urges all members to take the preventative measures recommended by the CDC to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19," organizers wrote in a statement. "We look forward to a safe and successful Springtime Tallahassee Festival 2020!"
Instead, they will implement "enhanced protocols" for this year's festival:
• Any member, volunteer, vendor, parade participant or attendee who feels ill, or falls in the “high risk” category, should consult their healthcare providers and stay home if warranted.
• All members, volunteers, vendors, parade participants and attendees should be vigilant about frequent hand washing.
• Several hand washing and sanitizing stations will be provided throughout Kleman Plaza and Jubilee in the Park. A map indicating the locations of the hand washing and sanitizing stations will be posted on our website and at the events.
• Every vendor must have hand sanitizer available at their booth.
• All food vendors must provide and appropriately utilize gloves for cooking and serving food.
• All parade participants are prohibited from throwing, handing out, or providing beads or any other items during the parade.
If the situation changes, Springtime Tallahassee organizers say they will immediately identify the public.
