The council has decided to cancel the Ocean Village Boat Show and Boats 2020, both due to start on Friday (September 11), “due to the increased spread of Covid-19 nationally”.
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Ocean Village Boat Show is described at the newest boat show on the south coast, while Boats 2020 was to have been staged at Mayflower Park.
But the council released a statement last night saying that anyone planning to go to one of these events should not now “make that journey”.
Debbie Chase, Director of Public Health, Southampton City Council, said: “Due to the increased spread of COVID-19 nationally, and the need for stronger control measures to reduce transmission both in Southampton and across the country, we unfortunately cannot allow the Ocean Village Boat Show 2020 and Boats 2020 presented by Southampton International Boat Show Limited to take place this month. We have therefore issued a Direction under Regulation 5(1) of the Health Protection Regulations 2020 prohibiting these events from taking place.
“In Southampton and the South East, we have seen a lower rate of COVID-19 transmissions since lockdown ended. However, the national picture shows a concerning rise in cases, and with these events set to attract around 20,000 people from different parts of the UK over a 10-day period, it’s important we act now to reduce the risk of infection.”
Cllr Satvir Kaur said the decision was taken “with a heavy heart, understanding the impact it will have on exhibitors, visitors and local businesses; however, it would simply be irresponsible to ignore expert advice of our health professionals at this time”.
Opposition leader Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry described it as a “blow for the city”, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“Whilst I understand the natural concern for public health, on the information I have been shared I believe that a more balanced decision could have been made,” he said.
Additional material by Maria Zaccaro, Local Democracy Reporter