Benicia Cancels Several Events To Combat Coronavirus

BENICIA, CA — In response to the newest guidelines from the California Department of Public Health about canceling large gatherings and events to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, the city of Benicia and the Benicia Fire Department on Thursday announced several cancellations and postponements.

Through the end of March, state public health officials recommend canceling or postponing large gatherings of 250 or more; small gatherings that do not allow for 6 feet per person for social distancing; and gatherings of more than 10 persons at higher risk of severe illness, including people 50 and older and people with chronic health conditions.

"This guidance does not apply to activities such as attendance at regular school classes, work, essential services, public transportation, airport travel and shopping," city officials said in a news release.

Coronavirus-Related Cancellations, Postponements In Benicia

All senior activities at the Benicia Senior Center are canceled from March 13 – March 31, except for the Meals on Wheels program on Friday, March 13. Staff is working with Solano County to provide home delivery of Meals on Wheels beginning Monday, March 16.

Because of the difficulty in achieving recommended social distancing, the city has canceled the following meetings or events through March 31 at the Benicia Public Library: After School Zone, all storytimes, all book clubs, art gallery receptions, board games evenings, ESL classes, GED classes, Great Decisions discussions, Language Lab, Resume & Career Counseling, Technology Help, Teen Advisory Board, Writers’ Salon, Writer’s Workshop.

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By date, here are additional event cancellations at the Benicia Public Library:

• March 12: Arts and Culture Commission meeting
• March 14: Friends of the Library Book Sale
• March 15: Three Poets Welcome Spring event
• March 16: Art Gallery Committee meeting
• March 17: Objective Planning Standards Stakeholder meeting
• March 19: Public Art Subcommittee meeting
• March 22: Ramana Vieira and Ensemble
• March 29: Poet Jane Hirschfield

Events canceled in the City Hall Commission Room are:

• March 16: Community Sustainability Commission meeting
• March 25: Economic Development Board meeting

"City Hall, Benicia Public Library and Benicia Community Center remain open and operational with appropriate measures in place to protect the health of staff and the community," city officials said.

As conditions change, or city meetings or events are canceled, updates will be shared on the city of Benicia Coronavirus webpage.

The city of Benicia encourages its residents to:

• See the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease website for updates, news and symptoms to watch out for.
• Wash hands often and cover coughs and sneezes.
• Increase social distance (no hand-shaking or hugging) at events and gatherings.
• Stay in touch with older adults and encourage them to seek medical assistance, if they develop symptoms.