Hi everyone,

Given how quickly things are changing, I wanted to give you all an update on what is happening with our current Suzart production due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The city of Ottawa has ordered all public facilities closed for the next three weeks in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

As a result Hairspray rehearsal is CANCELLED for this Sunday March 15, and until facilities reopen.

We don't know at this point how long these restrictions will be in place, so we will continue to monitor the situation and keep members informed.

I know that the cast and production team for Hairspray are very concerned right now, since we've lost essentially a month of rehearsal time. The board will do whatever we can to make sure our performers get a chance to shine - we are looking into alternative show dates right now - but we won't risk their health and safety or the health and safety of the community to do so.

The board will meet on Thursday, March 19th to develop a plan for how to manage our current production given the current circumstances, and we will continue to update the membership going forward.

The current Ottawa Public Health status on COVID-19 can be read here:

https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/novel-coronavirus.aspx?utm_source=OPH&utm_medium=Home_Page_Banner&utm_campaign=Coronavirus&utm_content=Home_Page_Banner_OPH#March-13-2020---Statement-from-Dr-Vera-Etches-Medical-Officer-of-Health-on-COVID-19-situation-in-Ottawa

The Government of Canada link for all COVID -19 information is https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

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Scott Shepherd

President - Suzart Productions