Corona Virus (Covid-19) has changed the world in only a few short weeks and another major repercussion from this virus is the cancellation of South by Southwest 2020.

Sadly, with SXSW being just days away it makes sense to cancel this years arts and technology festival since it draws thousands of fans from around the world every year and officials in the Austin area didn’t want this years festival to become a “breeding ground” for  Corona Virus in the Austin area.

About SXSW Cancellation

Festival organizers noted that Austin Public Health had stated as recently as Wednesday that “there’s no evidence that closing SXSW or any other gatherings will make the community safer,” but that the situation evolved rapidly and they respect officials’ decision.

“We are devastated to share this news with you,” the organizers said in their statement. ”‘The show must go on’ is in our DNA, and this is the first time in 34 years that the March event will not take place. We are working through the ramifications of this unprecedented situation.”

South By Southwest started in 1987 as a small showcase for up-and-coming bands that turned into an international extravaganza, which now includes movie premieres and performances from major artists.

The COVID-19 threat is growing rapidly nationally, said Dr. Mark Escott, interim medical director and health authority for Austin Public Health.

“That threat is growing locally because of what’s happening in the rest of the United States and across the world,” Escott said.

The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus has climbed to 14, with all but one victim in Washington state, while the number of infections swelled to over 200 scattered across at least 18 states, including at least eight cases in the Houston area.

The announcement comes days after several high-profile companies, including Netflix, tech news outlet Mashable, video-based social media platform TikTok and U.S. chip maker Intel, pulled out of the festival.

Source – Apnews.com

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