Dozens of events have been canceled in the last 24 hours, nationally and locally due to coronavirus concerns.
The band KISS was expected to perform Thursday night, but have rescheduled their show for October 4, 2020, according to the BOK Center.
Cher has also postponed her March 12 concert in Oklahoma City, to September 18, according to the Chesapeake Energy Arena website.
Local businesses, Kilkenny's Irish Pub, McNellie's, and Arnie's Bar have canceled their annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations and block party, according to a press release sent out Thursday evening.
There is good news for Tulsa, Oklahomans. Three local events are expected to continue as scheduled. Organizers are actively working to create a safe and healthy environment for all attendees.
KJRH spoke to DCF Concerts who confirmed that The Napoleon Dynamite screening and the Meet and Greet will still go on as planned on March 14 at the Tulsa Theater.
A special message was released by the film's cast members, who will also be attending the event.
"As we tour the country, screening our beloved movie and talking to our fans, we always appreciate the opportunity to meet our biggest fans; you guys! As much as we’d love to hug you all, we can’t, due to the stupid coronavirus. Waving, great! Elbow bumps, cool! Bowing, awesome! Sneezing right into our mouths, no way! Thanks to each of you, for your understanding, and most of all, for coming out to see us. See you soon!
With Gratitude,
Jon, Jon and Efren"
With concerns surrounding the coronavirus locally, KJRH asked the Tulsa Theater how they are working to make health and safety their top priority at their venue.
"[Theater staff] is following proper hand washing and safety protocol at every event and are continuously educated based on the CDC's discoveries and recommendations. As a patron, we request your assistance in slowing this virus down, too. We ask you to follow basic guidelines for prevention found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus [cdc.gov]which include: Thorough hand washing with soap and hot water, sneezing and coughing into a tissue and promptly throwing away or utilizing your upper arm sleeve, minding your beverages, and using alternative greetings in place of handshakes. Most importantly, if you’re feeling ill or have a fever, we strongly urge you to stay home to help keep other staff and patrons at the venue safe," said Tulsa Theater officials.
To find out more about the Napoleon Dynamite screening at the Tulsa Theater,click here.
If you are going to be missing the local St. Patrick's Day events that were canceled, Broken Arrow will still be holding their ShamRock the Rose Festival March 14, from 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
15,000 attended last year's Irish block party.
The festivity will feature live entertainment, food trucks, local art, and The Craft Beer Garden in the large pavilion on Main Street. 15 statewide breweries will offer a wide array of ales.
The event will also be raising funds for Soldier’s Wish, an organization that grants wishes to veterans.
KJRH asked ShamRock organizers how are they preparing a safer environment for crowds attending Saturday.
"[We've] ordered additional hand washing stations, [we have] requested our vendors bring hand sanitizer, and encourage attendees to stay home if they are not feeling well," said ShamRock event officials.
To find out more about ShamRock the Rose Festival,click here.
The World Series of Poker Circuit Tournament started March 11 and is scheduled to run until March 23 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. The tournament features a No Limit Hold'em with a prize of $250,000 and the Main Event that guarantees a $500,000 prize.
KJRH spoke with the Hard Rock Casino Marketing Department regarding COVID-19.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and following guidance issued by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We fully understand everyone’s concern during this time and will remain focused on the well-being of our guests and team members. We continue to closely monitor updates from local and international health authorities. We have increased the frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces in public areas in our casinos/resorts, including restaurants, bars, spas, fitness centers, public restrooms, hotel rooms, elevators, as well as frequently touched areas on the casino floor. We would like to emphasize that while there have been no cases reported at any of our properties, we are continuing to evaluate our practices and work to modify the ways that we keep our employees and patrons safe, healthy, and secure," Hard Rock officials said.
To find out more about the WSOP Circuit Poker Tournament,click here.
Despite the health concerns surrounding the community, officials say they are optimistic for a good turn out at both events.
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