From a recent Linton Chamber concert. Linton has canceled concerts this weekend.

You’ve probably seen the cancellations across the country due to COVID-19 — of sporting events, parades and arts presentations in large theaters — from opera and ballet to “Hamilton” (canceled in San Francisco).

Just in: The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade on March 26 will be either canceled or postponed.

As far as the arts in Cincinnati, I’ve gotten official word that the Linton Chamber Music Series concerts on March 15-16 have been cancelled this weekend. In addition, there will be no “Peanut Butter & Jam Session” this week at Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church or next week at Sycamore Presbyterian Church. Information here.

Because the University of Cincinnati is canceling in-person classes from March 14 through April 13, I’m hearing from faculty members that performances at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) will be canceled through the end of the semester. It’s possible that some may be live-streamed, if you interpret the UC message below:

• Effective immediately, any in-person UC events (on-campus or off-campus) with more than 150 attendees scheduled to occur between now and May 31, 2020, must be rescheduled, canceled or “virtualized.”
• Certain events, such as athletic contests and performances, may be modified to decrease the need for a crowd or audience. Details on these modifications are under development and will be shared once finalized.
• The Public Health Response Team has not yet made a decision regarding commencement ceremonies.

Will shows go on as scheduled? Arts groups are looking closely …

At the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, which will hold Handel/Vivaldi concerts on Friday and Saturday and a late-night event in Wilks Theater on Saturday, I’ve only received word that there will be hand sanitizer stations throughout the hall. We must all practice safe distances, and do elbow-bumps only! No shaking hands… For CSO updates, click here.

But with its international roster of soloists, I’m wondering if the shows will be able to go on as scheduled with the new travel bans from Europe for the next 30 days.

The chamber group concert:nova has decided to postpone concerts this week, both the Wine Files event on Thursday (tonight) and User Agreement this weekend. They will announce when it will be rescheduled. You can donate your tickets or request a refund at Eventbrite. Information here.

Everyone for now is “watching closely.” Here is the message Cincinnati Art Museum emailed, which is also on their Coronavirus page:

By now you have memorized the drill. According to the CDC, the best prevention steps for COVID-19 and any other virus, such as a cold or flu, continue to be:

1.            Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

2.            Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Use your upper sleeve if a tissue is not available.

3.            Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

4.            Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

5.            Stay home when you are sick.

6.            Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

For the most up-to-date information in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov
You can also call the hotline: 1-833-4-ASKODH

I will continue updating the list on this blog.