Canceled Events
CORONAVIRUS HOME // CANCELED EVENTS
Following the guidance provided during the Mississippi State Department of Health’s press conference this morning and our shared press conference with FGH this afternoon, this is what we are recommending regarding hosted events & COVID-19.
- Mass gatherings, including conferences and conventions, with an excess of 250+ expected in attendance should be postponed or canceled.
- For all residents over the age of 65 or those with compromised immune systems should consider staying home and not attending non-essential places where there are large crowds of people. This includes church, temple and other large gatherings. We began conversations with local pastors on Wednesday night and many are moving forward with online/broadcast options as well as alternative opportunities for worship.
Following these guidelines, holistic organizational statements and a list of canceled events can be accessed below. If you have an event you need listed here, please email it to mayor@hattiesburgms.com.
Event statements from local organizations about events:
Hattiesburg Parks & Recreation: All senior and recreational program is canceled until further notice.
Hattiesburg Public Schools: All school assemblies have been canceled, and students will not attend the National Beta Convention.
Presbyterian Christian School: All archery events are postponed until further notice.
The University of Southern Mississippi: Events sponsored by USM or hosted in USM facilities, where 50 or more attendees are expected, are canceled.
This guidance is effective from March 12, 2020 to April 30, 2020, at which time event guidelines will be reevaluated. Additionally, Conference USA announced Thursday, March 12, a suspension of all spring sports competition, effective immediately, until further notice. The decision was made in an effort to limit the spread of this virus and in the interest of the health and safety of our student-athletes, campus personnel, working and event personnel, the Hattiesburg community and all those who attend Southern Miss athletic events.
Library of Hattiesburg, Petal & Forrest: Public programming, including Thursday Theater, book clubs, and story times will be suspended until further notice. Updates will be available on the Library’s Facebook page.The Library Board of Trustees, after recommendations from Library Administration, has elected to close its physical facilities to the public effective March 17th.
Digital services and WiFi parking lots remain in place. A new curbside pickup service will be implemented.
Convention Commission Properties (Convention Center, Hattiesburg Saenger, African American Military History Museum, and the Hattiesburg Zoo): All events organized at the Convention Center with projected attendance over 250 are canceled. Booking the Convention Center is on hold until April. Additionally, no group tours at the museum and no indoor activities at the zoo. All facilities have updated safety and surface sanitization protocols that have been put in place.
The Hattiesburg Zoo announced today that it will close at 4pm, Monday, March 16 and not reopen until at least March 31 in an effort to help stop the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19. The Hattiesburg Zoo has been closely monitoring health information on COVID-19 along with recommendations of the CDC, State of Mississippi, and City of Hattiesburg.
Pinebelt Coalition for Homelessless: Monthly meetings canceled for March.
Hattiesburg Youth Soccer Association: Practices and regular recreation play suspended until further notice.
Dixie Youth Baseball: All practices and play are suspeneded through March 30, 2020.
Dixie Boys: Annual catfish fundraiser is canceled.
PRVO: Tax Prep at Sigler Center suspended until March 31, 2020.
- May 2, 2020 – Sandwich Smackdown, at The Depot
- May 1, 2020 – Live at Five
- April 30, 2020 – United Way 80th Anniversary Celebration
- April 26, 2020 – USM Baseball at Home
- April 24, 2020 – USM Crawfish Fest
- April 24, 2020 – USM Baseball at Home
- April 24, 2020 – Live at Five
- April 22, 2020 – Disability Awareness Day (postponed for an online event)
- April 21, 2020 – USM Baseball at Home
- April 21- 24 – MS Conference for Addiction Professionals at Lake Terrace Convention Center
- April 18, 2020 – 8th Annual Voodoo 5K Downtown
- April 17, 2020 – Live at Five
- April 17 – 18, 2020 – Primerica Conference at Lake Terrace Convention Center
- April 17, 2020 – HPD Awards Day
- April 16 – 17, 2020 – MS Museums Association Conference
- April 14 – 15 – USM Baseball at Home
- April 13 – 15, 2020 – Alcorn State University Small Farmer’s Conference, Lake Terrace Convention Center
- April 13 – 15, 2020 – MS Association of Cooperatives Meeting at Lake Terrace Convention Center
- April 11, 2020 – USM Baseball at Home
- April 9, 2020 – Spirit of Women Spring Event with Lacey Chabert
- April 9, 2020 – USM Baseball at Home
- April 9 – 12, 2020 – Southeast Spas Expo at Lake Terrace Convention Center
- April 7, 2020 – Community Baby Shower
- April 5 – 6, 2020 – JC Beauty Supply Conference at Lake Terrace Convention Center
- April 4, 2020 – HHS Prom at Jackie Dole
- April 4, 2020 – Petal Prom at LTCC
- April 4, 2020 – Southern Miss Trumpet Festival
- Aprl 4, 2020 – Hattiesburg Half-Marathon transitioning to a virtual run see https://www.hburghalfmarathon.com/
- April 3, 2020 – Hattiesburg Half-Marathon Expo
- April 3, 2020 – Live at Five
- April 3, 2020 – Extra Table Wine Festival (postponed until October 9)
- April 3, 2020 – Mississippi Science Olympiad
- April 3, Accelerate, at Southern Oaks, The ADP
- April 1 – 3, 2020 – Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival, Southern Miss
- March 30, 2020 – Community Development Caper Public Meeting
- March 29, 2020 – Delta Sigma Stage Play
- March 29, 2020 – ARC Showstoppers Performance
- March 29, 2020 – DAR Cemetery Tours
- March 28 – 29, 2020 – The Lucky Rabbit Weekend for HUBFEST
- March 28, 2020 – USM Baseball at Home
- March 28, 2020 – USM Black and Gold Gala
- March 28, 2020 – HUBFEST, The ADP
- March 28, 2020 – Tour de Burg for PiKapp
- March 27, 2020 – USM Foundation Event, at the Zoo
- March 26, 2020 – Business After Hours, at Community Bank, The ADP
- March 26, 2020 – MS Music Educators ACDA Conference
- March 26, 2020 – MS Boys and Girls Club Seminar and Training
- March 26, 2020 – Book Signing at Eureka School
- March 25, 2020 – SEMRHI Conference
- March 25, 2020 – USM Baseball at Home
- March 25, 2020 – Pine Belt Mental Health Training at Jackie Dole Community Center
- March 23 – 24, 2020 – GPS Hospitality Conference (Taco Bell Corp)
- March 24, 2020 – USM Softball at Home
- March 24, 2020 – North Forrest Athletic Banquet at Jackie Dole
- March 23, 2020 – Legislative Forum, The ADP
- March 21, 2020 – USM Softball at home
- March 21, 2020 – Irish Italian Festival and Parade (postponed until May)
- March 21, 2020 – William Baggett and Lynne Joddrell Fine Arts Show at Cultural Center
- March 20 – 21, 2020 – HattiesBARK Block Party and Pet Parade
- March 20 – 21, 2020 – Lake Hamilton Bank Show, at Ben McNair
- March 20 – 21, 2020 – Andrianna Harper World Softball Tournament
- March 19, 2020 – Farmer’s Market and Yoga in the Park, at Town Square Park
- March 19, 2020 – MS Municipal Services Copmany Conference, at Jackie Dole Community Center
- March 19, 2020 – PBYP Luncheon, The ADP at Train Depot
- March 18 – 31, 2020 – Hattiesbrug Arts Council: Bill Baggett Exhibit at Cultural Center
- March 16, 2020 – Alcorn State Alumni Meeting
- March 16 – 31, 2020 – South Mississippi Arts Association events at Ben McNair Center
- March 16 – 31, 2020 – Seniors Programming: Bridge, at Sigler Center
- March 15, 2020 – USM Baseball at Home
- March 14, 2020 – QueDelta Weekend Picnic
- March 14, 2020 – Cooper Self-Service Seminar, at the Sigler Center
- March 14 – 15, 2020 – USSA Tournament for Dixie Youth
- March 14, 2020 – QueDelta Step Show
- March 12, 2020 – Showbiz: A Century of Showtunes, Southern Miss
- March 12, 2020 – Flood Safety Expo, Train Depot Community Room
MEDIA INQUIRIES
For all media inquiries, please contact 601-447-5950 (text for best response) or email smccain@hattiesburgms.com.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Mississippi Department of Health
World Health Organization Coronavirus
Johns Hopkins: Map of Global Cases
NEED HELP OR INFO?
If you have questions or need additional information about coronavirus and Mississippi, the information below will provide you with a hotline dedicated to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Hotline: 877-978-6453
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
The following are basic hygiene practices that can help prevent the spread of viruses like the coronavirus and the flu.
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds multiple times a day. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when feeling sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
I HAVE SYMPTOMS. WHAT DO I DO?
The symptoms that are currently being seen with COVID-19 are fever and respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath.
- Stay home from work or school until you are free of fever, signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours and without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medications.
- Seek medical attention if you have reason to believe you have been exposed to coronavirus or influenza. Call your healthcare provider before visiting a healthcare facility.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You probably have questions like the following (and more). Click the button at the bottom of this box to read through our FAQ (which is updated as needed).
- What are Coronaviruses?
- How is coronavirus (COVID-19) transmitted, and when will someone get sick if they’re exposed?
- Should I wear a facemask to prevent COVID-19?
- How can I protect myself from COVID-19?
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?
SOURCE: World Health Organization
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and death.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
[SOURCE: World Health Organization]
HOW DOES CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) SPREAD?
Person-to-Person
Coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
- Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
[SOURCE: Center for Disease Conrol]
