Thread by @MikeMarut_

From @MayorAdler, City of Austin is declaring a healthcare disaster. Cancelling @sxsw. @KVUE

From the county, a similar declaration will be applied to Travis County for the next 7 days due to #covid19 #coronavirus

There are no confirmed cases in Travis County. “Now is not the time to panic, now is the time to prepare.”

“What are we going to do as a community and as a government when that storm comes.” In reference to COVID-19.

There is a lack of evidence showing cancelling mass gatherings will stop the spread, BUT there’s evidence showing mass gatherings spread the virus faster.

We looked at options for mitigation, are we able to lower the threat to an acceptable level. There was no other option than to cancel #sxsw because of size of events, venues and what’s happening in those events - concerts, presentations, etc.

There were registered guests coming from places around the world that may have come into contact with people who contracted #COVID19 #SouthbySouthwest #sxswcancelled

County health officials echoing best practices: washing hands, be aware of shaking hands (use fist bump or elbows). “If you are sick, you should not be going to public places.”

From Stephanie Hayden, director of Austin Public Health, “this will help us to mitigate the spread of disease.” She’s calling on event centers and hosts to have a disease mitigation plan.

Factors include what the event is, if it’s registered, where are guests coming from, age of participants, type/purpose of event. APA will be reviewing all events happening in the city case-by-case.

“Panic will weaken us. This is not a panic-driven decision.” - County Judge.

Decision borne out of the nature of festivals and how close people will be to each other. Looking at social distancing (6-feet is ideal between people). “Stay home when you’re sick.”

From @MayorAdler, “the existence of this virus is unfortunate. ... it’s time like this that makes you realize we are all in this together.”

All speakers are emphasizing this decision borne out of evidence and science, not fear or panic. “It’s a really important event in this city.” - @MayorAdler #sxsw #sxswcancelled

Advisory panel will continue to study and analyzed unsanctioned events in the city and make a decision where/when appropriate. Decisions are being made daily.

“There is no emergency in our city today.” @MayorAdler

Disaster declaration puts the city on a certain level of preparedness for anything (additional funds, etc)

Because of declaration, @sxsw is cancelled.

All ramifications (economic, financial, etc) are secondary compared to community health. - @MayorAdler

The medical team will establish criteria to determine if other events will be cancelled or will continue.

“Unsanctioned” means events not under the official SXSW umbrella.

What changed? Evolving situation around the country and Houston-area and continued testing, it raises concern to “elevated.” The initial case was deemed negative, but other cases are being processed.

The difference between #sxsw and others was where guests are coming from. Many other events (rodeo, urban music fest, etc) are locally focused.

To clarify, this is a Declaration of Local Disaster. City communications will look into how long that lasts and what it will do and send follow up information to media.

This is a LOCAL disaster declaration.