Salamanca Market to go ahead despite coronavirus warnings

The Salamanca Market will go ahead, but a host of other events and sports matches have been cancelled to contain the spread of coronavirus. See if your weekend plans have been impacted.

THE Salamanca Market will go ahead on Saturday, but a host of other events and sporting fixtures have been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Hobart City Council general manager Nick Heath said the council was in communication with the state’s health department to determine the short-term future of market operations.

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“In the meantime, we have increased the number of alcohol-based hand sanitisers around the market for stallholders and patrons, but remember that handwashing with soap and water is proven best practice,’’ he said.

“We will act in accordance with directives from the Tasmanian Health Department to ensure the safety of our stallholders, our employees and the wider public.”

Salamanca Market will go ahead on Saturday. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Meanwhile, the Cancer Council Tasmania announced it would cancel all upcoming Relay For Life events in Tasmania.

This includes the Launceston and Circular Head events which were due to be held this weekend.

“Given the high risk to public health currently posed by COVID-19, and keeping in mind that many who attend our events are in a higher risk group, we know the decision to cancel Relay events is in the best interests of our community,’’ Cancer Council Tasmania said in a statement.

“Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our volunteers, staff and supporters. You are our most precious asset and we want to look after you.”

The Southern Tasmanian Netball Association has just announced it is cancelling the club netball season, which was due to start on Saturday.

On social media, the STNA said Netball Tasmania had advised all associations to cease activity immediately.

“STNA will have further advice early next week in regard to the full scope of our activity and which if any can continue in the short term,’’ the association said in a statement.

Ram judging at the 2019 Agfest event. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Meanwhile, Agfest has announced it will not cancel May’s event but will continue to respond to changing circumstances.

“At this stage we will not be cancelling Agfest Field Days 2020,’’ organisers said in a statement.

“The Agfest committee will await advice from the Tasmanian Government and appropriate health authorities around the suspension of non-essential gatherings over 500 people.

“We will continue to respond to COVID-19 as it dynamically evolves with the appropriate authorities and take all advice given in the best interest of public health and safety.”

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra has suspended all public performances immediately until further notice.

“While it is heartbreaking to cancel upcoming concerts – particularly A German Requiem this Saturday which is fully rehearsed and performance-ready, we accept the advice of Australia’s Chief Medical Officer,” TSO chief executive Caroline Sharpen said.

“We are monitoring the situation and will be back as soon as it is safe for Tasmanian audiences. In the meantime, we will find new and creative ways to connect with the Tasmanian community to bring joy and enrichment into people’s lives, particularly in these uncertain times.”

BMX Australia has also cancelled the upcoming National Championships and Oceania Championships that were to be held in Launceston later this month.

All entry fees will be automatically refunded during the course of the next 7-10 days.

BMX Australia said it was working with stakeholders about plans for future events.

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It comes after Cricket Australia announced fans would be locked out from venues for the one-day international series between Australia and New Zealand.

Hobart is due to host the third match of the series next Friday, but it will be played in front of an empty arena.

Dark Mofo Creative Director Leigh Carmichael after announcing Dark Mofo 2020 would be cancelled due to coronavirus. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Earlier this week, Dark Mofo announced it would not stage this year’s winter festival due to the financial exposure a last-minute cancellation would create.

Two motorsport events are also in doubt — the Tyrepower Tasmania Super400 event is scheduled for April 3-5 and Targa Tasmania for April 27-May 2.

AFL matches in Tasmania could also be impacted.

The next match is North Melbourne v Fremantle at Blundstone Arena on April 19.

The following weekend, Hawthorn are due to host West Coast at Launceston’s University of Tasmania Stadium.

A four-day singing event scheduled for Hobart in May has been cancelled.

Sweet Adelines Australia made the decision on Friday about the event, which would have seen 700 women congregate at Hobart’s Wrest Point.