NEW ORLEANS — Hogs for the Cause 2020 has been canceled, a release from the organization behind the event said Wednesday because of coronavirus concerns.
The event was planned to take place on March 27 & 28, working with both local and national children's hospital to offer monetary relief to families with children who have brain cancer.
All tickets will be refunded, the organization said.
"While we are saddened by this decision, we feel that as an organization committed to health care for those in need, it was the most responsible course of action," the release said. "We will be back in 2021!"
The cancellation of the event comes alongside multiple other events canceled. Many universities in the New Orleans area have transitioned their classes to online, limiting interaction of people in the community.
Local and state officials said that coronavirus has been in the community in the Greater New Orleans area. Gov. John Bel Edward said there was 13 presumptive positive cases in Louisiana shortly after he declared the state in a public health emergency.
What You Need to Know about COVID-19:
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Worldwide illnesses have ranged from mild to severe, including severe pneumonia that can result in hospitalization or death.
Older people and people with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease or cancer seem to be at greater risk of serious illness.
People with recent travel to China, or have come in contact with someone who has recent travel and is ill, have a greater risk for becoming ill.
What to do if you are sick:
If you recently traveled to an area affected by COVID-19 transmission, and you feel sick, stay home and call your doctor immediately. Do not go to the doctor without calling first.
If you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider, call the Louisiana Department of Health hotline at 1-855-523-2652.
If you are severely ill and you think you need to go to the hospital, call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency room.
How to Prevent the Spread:
The virus is thought to spread between people in close contact (within 6 feet) and through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Wash hands with soap and water often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Especially wash hands after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Stay home if you feel sick to prevent the spread of germs.
Cover your cough with your elbow to prevent the spread of germs.
Treatments for COVID-19:
There are no medications specifically approved for COVID-19. People with coronavirus should be treated with supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
Some severe cases require going to the hospital, particularly in the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions.
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