Cities cautious about canceling public events

Some municipalities have COVID-19 pages on their websites.

Alpharetta and some other North Fulton cities have delayed decisions on canceling public events, citing rapid developments on the spread of coronavirus in Georgia.

City officials say the pace of developments on the spread of the coronavirus means things could change from one hour to the next. Alpharetta Assistant City Manager James Drinkard said public meetings scheduled for next week are still in place, for now.

“Call me two hours from now and something may have come out from the CDC that changes what we do,” he said. “We still have a little time before our larger community events.”

Two community events scheduled to take place March 21 have been canceled, according to the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau: Free Photos with The Easter Bunny at The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and ShamRockin for a Cure at Ameris Bank Amphithreatre.

The Alpharetta Farmers Market is due to open April 4. Taste of Alpharetta on May 7 and the Celebrate Freedom Rodeo at Wills Park, May 8-9, are among several Alpharetta events still planned for this spring.

Separately from the city, Avalon has canceled its Luck of Avalon event planned for today, which would have drawn hundreds of people to a St. Patrick’s Day party of Irish dance and music performances at the residential and retail development.

Alpharetta officials are not advising private businesses planning upcoming events for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond, said Drinkard. “We are not experts. We are making sure that it’s easy for citizens and businesses to get to reliable, verifiable, expert sources,” said Drinkard.

Alpharetta, Sandy Springs and Roswell have created a COVID-19 page with website links to local, county, state and federal information on the disease.

Any [Alpharetta] cancellations of upcoming community events will appear on that site, said Drinkard. So far, no cancellations are noted there.

In Roswell, the Bulloch Hall Quilt Show, which began March 6, will stay open as planned until Sunday, said docent Carol Harman.

In Sandy Springs, officials are also taking things day by day. Director of Communications Sharon Kraun said they are working with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health officials to stay informed.

“Right now, we have no known case in Sandy Springs,” said Kraun.

Sandy Springs staff is contacting different promoters and theater groups with events scheduled at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center to see if they want to reschedule upcoming events.

The Sunday performance of the Chopin Society Piano Recital with Robert Plano was canceled by the music organization, said Kraun.

The Sandy Springs City Council meeting will be held as planned Tuesday but will be streamed for the first time online.

For convenience, documents, such as business design plans that need to be submitted to city staff, can be sent through online portals.

“It’s been that way already but we want to remind people about it,” said Kraun, adding,”We have ramped up cleaning in the theater and [City Hall] building.”

In addition, building elevators have been designated for staff to go to their offices, and separately for citizens who have business to attend to in meeting rooms.