Live Performance Australia have shared a statement regarding the current state of live shows in the time of coronavirus.
While the cancellation of live shows amidst the panic of a global pandemic has understandably caused some concern from promoters and audiences of live entertainment, the last week has seen an unprecedented amount of events being cancelled.
Ranging from tours of artists like Pearl Jam and Madonna, to conferences like SXSW, and even major festivals such as Dark Mofo and Coachella, the threat of holding a large-scale gathering at the current time has obviously seen many organisers decide to err on the side of caution.
However, events such as Bluesfest have released statements indicating that they’ll soldier on regardless, citing information from organisations such as the NSW Health department and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee to note that there is no immediate danger in holding an event of their scale.
Now, Live Performance Australia have chimed in as well, offering their own statement in an effort to assuage fears and prevent panic amongst concertgoers at the current time.
Live Performance Australia Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson explained that while the health and wellbeing of patrons is of the utmost performance, they’ve taken the advice of the Commonwealth’s Chief Medical Officer who state there is “no material risk associated with attending a public gathering”.
“Obviously, people who have been in COVID-19 affected countries, or have had contact with a confirmed case or are unwell should stay away from public gatherings, but otherwise it should be safe to attend,” Richardson explained.
“We’ll continue to follow that advice, any many of our live performance events are proceeding on that basis, including upcoming festivals such as Bluesfest.
“If and when the official advice changes, we will work closely with health authorities to respond to their advice.
“Each promoter or event organiser will need to make a decision on their event and circumstances and we respect those decisions, although we will always start from the position of what the official health advice says,.
“It remains safe to attend a live performance, and I encourage all Australians to continue to make the most of our dynamic, diverse and vibrant live performance sector.”
Of course, anyone who feels ill prior to attending an event such as a live performance is strongly advised to seek medical advice beforehand, while audiences are also advised to keep an eye on the official channels of upcoming events.
