TEDxHiltonHead cancels event as national coronavirus cases increase

TEDxHiltonHead has canceled its March 14 event in an abundance of caution as coronavirus cases rise nationally, Rex Gale, the event’s organizer, said Thursday.

“We don’t want to be responsible for potentially bringing any type of virus to the Lowcountry,” Gale said.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 99 cases in 13 states.

South Carolina had no cases of the novel COVID-19 diseases confirmed as of Thursday afternoon. There were cases in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

COVID-19 is a specific disease from the coronavirus family, which also causes the common cold and more severe illnesses such as SARS and MERS.

Multiple speakers and attendees from across the country were expected to attend the TEDx event at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, said Gale, who added he was contacting the speakers Thursday afternoon.

The event will be rescheduled, but a date had not been set Thursday.

Information will be posted on tedxhiltonhead.com when available.

As of Thursday, the Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade was still planned for March 15.

About 30,0000 people usually attend the oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Carolina.

Alan Perry, parade organizer, said everyone is paying attention to coronavirus, but he said the parade is on schedule.

“All we can do is watch at this point and see what is going on,” Perry said. “Right now, everything is a go.”

Perry also noted that entertainment acts, including bands, have not canceled.

He encouraged anyone who is sick to stay home.

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