Sky News reports that the French government took a dramatic step to contain coronavirus that could impact Tomorrowland Winter.
“All public gatherings of more than 5,000 people in a confined space are temporarily banned across France,” Health Minister Olivier Veran told journalists gathered at a news conference.
Almost immediately, events like the Paris half-marathon and the Paris Salon de l’Agriculture were cancelled to comply with the government mandate.
This rash of cancellations sparked fears that Tomorrowland Winter might be next on the chopping block.
It’s not.
“Given the current situation, there is no reason to expect that the festival will not be able to take place,” reads a statement on the Tomorrowland Winter website.
Still. festival officials say, ” We are being advised by the competent authorities and are following their instructions with care.
“As long as there is no negative advice from the authorities or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not issue a negative travel advisory, the festival will be held and the standard conditions for cancellation will therefore apply.”
Coronavirus Prevention Tips
Tomorrowland officials also offered a word of advice for the 25,000 people expected to flock to southern France for the 3-day event next month.
“Follow the standard measures recommended by organisations such as the World Health Organisation that apply to all viruses that can cause flu and colds: wash your hands regularly; use paper tissues; sneeze and cough into the crease of your elbow.”
Health Minister Veran took it a step further, telling France24 that people should “cut back on ‘la bise,’ the custom in France and elsewhere in Europe of giving greetings with kisses, or air kisses, on the cheeks.”
Tomorrowland noted that medical personnel will be permanently present at their second annual winter dance party.
The frozen chapter of the Book of Wisdom opens at L’Alpe d’Huez ski resort, March 14.
