Even though there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Monroe County, local arts and cultural organizations are considering contingency plans in the event of an outbreak and to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19.
The Rochester Music Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that it ispostponing its April induction ceremony, which was to take place at Eastman Theatre.
The University of Rochester on Monday called off all athletic and public events at any of its facilities through April 15 that would be expected to draw more than 100 people, and then later announced that most classes will go online later this month.
Madrigalia, an 18-member choral group, plans to livestream two concerts scheduled for this coming weekend on the group'sFacebook page in case people don't want to attend in person.
In fact, the group's manager says audiences already appear to be self-limiting their attendance at public events.
Joe Finetti says ticket sales for the weekend shows are a fraction of what they would normally be.
"I happen to sing in another chamber choir that gave concerts this past weekend," he said, "and we had very, very soft attendance, less than 20 for two concerts in each venue and this is a group that normally would have 60 to 100 people attending."
Finetti, who also happens to be a primary care physician, says the performer in him wants the show to go on, but as a medical provider, he needs to advice an abundance of caution.
He says that means asking people to maintain some social distance if they do decide to go to the concerts.
"Obviously, folks from the same household can sit right up next to each other, but we will probably suggest that folks who come to the concert avoid sitting right next to one another."
He also asks anyone who does have symptoms of the flu or COVID-19 to not attend the concerts.
Madrigalia's "Songs of Protest, Songs of Peace" performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 at Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. in Rochester.
