Over the last few weeks, the risk of transmitting COVID-19 has triggered the cancelation and reworking of events the world over, from the Tokyo Marathon, where about 200 of the expected 38,000 participants took part, to a major tech event in Barcelona, which draws roughly 100,000 people from across the globe.
But here in the Tri-Cities, where the risk of spreading the pathogen has provoked the cancellation of Iranian New Year celebrations, the cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody have no similar plans regarding public events.
“Staff take direction on these issues from Fraser Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control, and regularly monitor for guidance,” a spokesperson for the city of Coquitlam said in an email, adding, “Since the risk of transmission remains low in this area, we have not made any alternative plans.”
The statement comes ahead of the 31st Festival du Bois, to be held March 6 to 8 at Mackin Park, an event that draws an estimated 10,000 people each year, according to organizers.
Pardeep Purewal, communications manager for the city of Port Coquitlam, also confirmed to The Tri-City News that the city has no plans to re-schedule or cancel any public events it manages.
“Should the situation change, the health authorities will instruct us on what is required and we will respond accordingly as the health and safety of our residents is our top priority,” Purewal wrote in an email.
Purewal added that the city has measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus, including directing cleaning staff to sanitize city facilities on a daily basis. The city is also evaluating its cleaning protocols, Purewal said, but in the meantime, staff and facility users are being asked to follow standard hygiene etiquette for the cold and flu season, like coughing and sneezing into their elbow, staying home when sick and disposing of used tissues into a plastic-lined garbage.
Angie Parnell, general manager for corporate services for the city of Port Moody, said through a spokesperson that there are no immediate alternative plans being made for upcomign city-organized events.
"We are monitoring the appropriate public health agencies and will adjust any evetn plans as necessary," Parnell was quoted in an email to The Tri-City News.
