Coronavirus pandemic has struck fear into the hearts of many worldwide, as many take precautions to avoid the spread of the disease.
So far, several events have been cancelled and it seems there is no reprieve with several other cancellations being announced this past weekend.Here is the round-down of events cancelled this weekend (14-15th March)
AMC Awards postponed
The annual Academy of Country Music Awards were due to take place on April 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 5, and be hosted by Keith Urban. They have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the organizers have decided to pull the plug and plan to have the ceremony air on ‘CBS’ in September now.
In a statement, Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music, said: “The health and safety of our artists, fans, industry, staff and partners is our number one priority. The ACM Awards is a tentpole event for our Country Music industry, and the Academy of Country Music and Dick Clark Productions went to great lengths to find a safe solution for the show to go on so that we can honor our artist community.
“This decision involved many partners, stakeholders and the industry who we have been in constant conversations with over the past several days as the situation has developed.
“We look forward to identifying a future date that we can celebrate with our Country community safely.”
Justin Bieber and Lil Nas X are nominated for their first-ever ACM prize this year as earlier reported on The Sauce.
Disney Productions ‘Mulan’, ‘The New Mutants’ and ‘Antlers’ postponed
Disney has postponed three of its upcoming film releases in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.The company confirmed that ‘Mulan’, ‘The New Mutants’ and ‘Antlers’ have been pushed back out of “an abundance of caution”.
Disney said in a statement: “As you know this has been a rapidly evolving situation and we wanted to make you aware that we are postponing the releases of ‘Mulan’, ‘The New Mutants’ and ‘Antlers’ out of an abundance of caution.We truly believe in the movie-going experience, and we are looking at new potential 2020 release dates to be announced at a later date.”
‘Mulan’ had been due for release on March 27, while ‘The New Mutants’ and ‘Antlers’ were scheduled for April 3rd and April 17th respectively.
On social media, director Niki Caro said: “Our hearts are with everyone the world over who is affected by the virus, and we hope that Mulan’s fighting spirit will continue to inspire those who are working so hard to keep us all safe.”
The movies join a growing number of films to be delayed as a result of the virus, which includes the new James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’, ‘A Quiet Place Part II’ and ‘Fast and Furious 9’.
READ: Sorry, blame it on Coronavirus, here is a list of events, places and productions affected
Prince Charles Royal Tour on hold
Prince Charles is postponing his spring tour to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus and Jordan following the coronavirus outbreak.
The 71-year-old royal was due to complete an eight-day tour of the countries next week alongside his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, but following advice from the UK government in the wake of the spread of the flu-like virus, he has indefinitely postponed the trip.
A statement from Clarence House said: “Owing to the unfolding situation with the Coronavirus pandemic, The British Government has asked Their Royal Highnesses to postpone their spring tour to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus and Jordan.”
Following the announcement, Buckingham Palace also confirmed Queen Elizabeth II’s schedule would be changing in order to keep her safe from the threat of the virus, which has proven deadly, particularly for older age groups.
The 93-year-old monarch has rescheduled her upcoming visits to Cheshire and Camden, whilst other events will be “reviewed on an ongoing basis”.
Buckingham Palace said in their own statement: “As a sensible precaution and for practical reasons in the current circumstances, changes are being made to The Queen’s diary commitments in the coming weeks. In consultation with the Medical Household and Government, Her Majesty’s forthcoming visits to Cheshire and Camden will be rescheduled. Audiences will continue as usual. Other events will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in line with the appropriate advice.”
The royal family have also stopped shaking hands with members of the public at their official events, instead offering a polite bow or wave. According to a recent post on The Sauce, during a meeting with Sri Lankan High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena and husband Dr. Sudath Talpahewa, the Queen was seen standing a meter away from the couple with her hands close to her body.
Rock and Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony on pause
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is postponing its biggest event.The Hall of Fame will not hold this year’s induction ceremony in May, it announced Friday.
“The health and safety of our fans and visitors is our highest priority,” the organization told CNN in a statement. “Given recent news regarding coronavirus and the urging by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine regarding large public gatherings, we have made the decision to postpone the 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Induction Week festivities until later this year.”
The inductees into the prestigious Hall of Fame included Whitney Houston and Notorious B.I.G who were joined by seven more first time shortlisted acts the likes of The Doobie Brothers, Motorhead, Soundgarden as reported on The Sauce.
As schools, offices and public spaces remain closed in various parts of the world, global citizens are urged by their respective governments to practice social distancing and self-quarantine to limit the spread of the disease.