Former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama will reschedule her event in Victoria, which was set for March 31 at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. The move was made after B.C. health officials recommended against attending events of more than 250 people.
An Evening with Michelle Obama was expected to attract more than 6,000 people for what would have been her first Victoria appearance.
Tickets purchased for the March 31 event will be valid and transferable to the new date.
No further details about a rescheduled date have been announced. Updates will be shared when available, according to organizers. For more information, go to sofmc.com.
Chamber reviewing events
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce says it is reviewing all of its upcoming events to determine what may go ahead, in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The chamber has already postponed its Conversation with Michelle Obama that was to have happened March 31 until an undetermined date, while it has postponed its Marketplace Mixer to Oct. 1 from its current date, March 19. The Chamber said tickets will be valid and transferred to the new event date once confirmed.
In a note to Chamber members, chief executive Catherine Holt said they are concerned about the financial impact on members, and noted they have told the Prime Minister’s Office financial assistance is needed for business owners, especially those who rely on tourism and hospitality.
Kurt Browning shows to be rescheduled
Figure skater Kurt Browning made it all the way to Victoria for three shows at the Racquet Club this weekend — only to find himself posting a video announcing that the shows will be rescheduled.
Victoria Flea Market out
The Victoria Flea Market at the Legion on Gorge Road has been cancelled until further notice.
Organizers of the Canadian Francophone Games, due to be held in Victoria in July, say they are still moving ahead but are developing contingency plans.
Langford mayor calls for shutdowns
Langford Mayor Stew Young is calling for all schools, colleges and universities to be shut down as part of the battle against COVID-19.
“This virus spreads too fast — we can’t wait for it to affect our students and all of our communities,” he said in a statement Friday. “We must take all available measures to slow it down.”
He also said B.C. Ferries should confine people to their cars and have cleaners cleaning all high-touch parts of the ferries constantly, calling for rules against staying in your car on the lower deck to be abandoned.
“We have a serious world threat and it’s safer for everyone to stay in their cars than mingle on a deck or eating in a cafeteria.”
Now that the arrival of cruise ships in the region has been postponed until July 1, Young said the Victoria Clipper, the Coho and Washington state ferries should also stop running.
“In addition, it would be prudent to stop bus tours as well, or they risk infecting our workers.”
Young said the “drastic and difficult” steps he’s suggesting are the only way to slow down the spread of the virus and not overwhelm the health-care system.
