As the first cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the Central West, and with the government banning events with more than 500 people, events such as Lithgow Show and Ironfest have been cancelled.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ironfest festival director MacGregor Ross made the announcement early Monday morning, March 16 that the 2020 event would not be going ahead.
"We, the organisers, are devastated, we will do the right thing by the ticket holders and stallholders who have already paid which is a major hit on the festival's financial viability..." he said.
"Nothing about our future is clear or certain."
All ticket sales for the event have been suspended and announcements regarding the event will be made as soon as possible.
The Lithgow Show Society posted on their Facebook account on Friday, March 13 that after the announcement from the government the 2020 show would not be going ahead.
One of the factors for making the decision was due to the aged population of Lithgow, since aged people are some of the most vulnerable.
Due to the show being held as part of an annual circuit, it isn't able to be postponed and will now have to wait until 2021 to go ahead.
Member for Calare, Andrew Gee said that it was important everyone stayed calm and didn't panic.
"It was inevitable that this virus was going to reach our area at some point, and now that it has, we need to deal with it calmly and methodically," he said.
"We need to be particularly conscious of those Australians in the high risk groups being older Australians and those with immune system deficiencies, and the need to take extra care around our aged care facilities and hospitals.
"We can all help by washing and sanitising hands, not coughing into hands and practising good hygiene.
"The wearing of face masks is not recommended for those who don't have the Coronavirus. Masks are only effective in preventing you from spreading it to others.
"If you think you have the flu-like symptoms of coronavirus, you can contact your local GP or emergency department but please call first and don't just arrive unannounced.
"In the meantime, take sensible precautions, and go about your daily lives. Please ease back on the stockpiling and doomsday prepping. It doesn't help."
What do you think?
Ciara Bastow
Hi! I'm Ciara and I've been working as a journalist for a number of years now, covering everything ranging from council, human interest stories, community news and sport. Got a story? Email me at ciara.bastow@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Hi! I'm Ciara and I've been working as a journalist for a number of years now, covering everything ranging from council, human interest stories, community news and sport. Got a story? Email me at ciara.bastow@austcommunitymedia.com.au
