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Live Performance Australia (LPA) has released a statement advising that the nation's live performance industry is paying very close attention to the evolving situation around the spread of Coronavirus both in Australia and overseas.

LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said the health and well-being of patrons and performers at live performance events remains the top priority for producers, promoters, venue operators and event organisers, advising "at this stage, the advice of the Commonwealth’s Chief Medical Officer is that there is no material risk associated with attending a public gathering.

“Obviously, people who have been in COVID-19 affected countries, or have had contact with a confirmed case or are unwell should stay away from public gatherings, but otherwise it should be safe to attend.

“We’ll continue to follow that advice, any many of our live performance events are proceeding on that basis, including upcoming festivals such as Bluesfest,” Ms Richardson said.

“If and when the official advice changes, we will work closely with health authorities to respond to their advice.”

The LPA statement comes in the wake of today's announcement that, among many postponed and cancelled live events worldwide, Hobart festival Dark Mofo, which was set to be headlined by American singer Bon Iver, has been cancelled.

Explaining that she was aware of decisions to cancel or postpone events in Australia and overseas, Richardson added "each promoter or event organiser will need to make a decision on their event and circumstances and we respect those decisions, although we will always start from the position of what the official health advice says.

“It remains safe to attend a live performance, and I encourage all Australians to continue to make the most of our dynamic, diverse and vibrant live performance sector.”

Image: Evelyn Richardson, courtesy of LPA.

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