March 19, 2020 -The world is being faced with an unprecedented outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. As of March 15. Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Vera Etches, estimates there could be up to 1,000 cases of COVID-19 currently in Ottawa. She urged residents to “strengthen their social distancing measures”, cancel any planned events and “not go out for non-essential reasons.” The numbers are expected to increase. The province is now in a state of emergency.
Bob Nesbitt, Founder and Producer of The Ottawa Grassroots Festival is closely monitoring information being shared by all of the public health agencies at all levels of government and is also in close communication with Ottawa Festivals, The health and safety of our community is extremely important. It is for this reason we are announcing the cancellation of the 2020 festival. We would like to thank all the artists who were scheduled to perform this year and we encourage everyone to visit the performers page on the website for ways you can connect and support them through this very difficult time. https://ottawagrassrootsfestival.com/performers-2020/
We all need to continue monitoring the updates offered by Ottawa Public Health at: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/
Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact. At this time, it is CRITICAL we practice social distancing, as described at the Ottawa Public Health website:
Taking these steps will reduce exposure to the virus and protect your health:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Avoid shaking hands
- Stay home if you are sick
We recognize the situation with respect to the virus is fluid. You can also stay connected with Ottawa Grassroots through these channels
“The Ottawa Grassroots Festival: Cultivating Community.”
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