City of Venice special events cancellation notice 8/24 due to the Covid Delta variant plaguing the community

• As the COVID-19 Delta variant continues to plague our community, we are once again faced with conditions warranting elevated health and safety protocols. We all are aware of the increased hospitalization of COVID-related patients

• Last week, Venice City Hall reinstituted former COVID health measures including the following:

o The wearing of masks for City employees when engaged in business with the public

o Increased placement and use of sanitation stations in public buildings

o Frequent full-room fogging and sanitizing of public buildings

o Staff and other internal meetings to be virtual when possible, on Teams or Zoom

o Remote and virtual working options for selected City employees

• In line with our interests in protecting the public from unnecessary exposure to the highly contagious virus, we are once again suspending the issuance of special event permits. As much as we regret what appears to be a step backwards in our fight against the virus, we believe that in the interest of public health and safety, this caution is necessary

• It would create an unwarranted risk to the health and safety of our residents and visitors to attract large crowds to mingle in a confined environment largely unregulated with regards to face masks, vaccinations, and other sanitation protocols. This suspension of permits applies to all special events scheduled for public property in Venice.

• As soon as the risk of exposure and contagion diminishes to a safe level, we will be contacting our event holders to offer the opportunity to reschedule their events. We appreciate the patience and understanding of all of our business partners and special events patrons.