City officials announced that November permitted events can continue as COVID-19 cases trend down across Savannah. This means that the Rock 'n’ Roll marathon, one of the biggest events of the year, will take place next month as scheduled.
"After some lengthy discussion, and based on the data, and the advice of my medical advisory team, we have decided, thus I'm deciding to allow large outdoor events, to maintain the mask mandate in public buildings. In city facilities we will allow (events with) 60% of capacity," Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said Wednesday during a virtual press conference.
An estimated 16,000 runners will be in Savannah for this year's marathon, which is scheduled for Nov. 6 and 7. It will be the 10th year runners have hit the streets of Savannah, but the city has set conditions for the event.
Credit: Steve Bisson/Savannah Morning News file photo
Credit: Steve Bisson/Savannah Morning News file photo
According to Johnson the city will ask promoters to require that participants provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their race; require participants to wear a face covering at indoor venues, and encourage participants to not have unnecessary family members and friends travel to Savannah.
Additionally the city wants the promoter to increase the start line runner corral, reduce the number of runners in each corral, provide self-serve water stations, and reduce touch points at the finish line.
Last month the city gave the green light for certain permitted outdoor events during the month of October. In August the city placed a moratorium on issuing permits for events in public spaces and revoked permits for events planned through Sept. 30.
On Wednesday Johnson said the numbers are clear.
As of Wednesday afternoon the seven-day rolling average was 46.1, compared to 306.1 on Aug. 25; the transmission index has also been trending downward hitting 281 on Tuesday, down from 1353 on Aug. 25. There were a total of 49 people hospitalized at the three area hospitals, compared to 301 on Aug. 25.
Credit: PHILIP HALL/SAVANNAHNOW.COM
Credit: PHILIP HALL/SAVANNAHNOW.COM
Half of Chatham County's population is fully vaccinated while 56% have had at least one dose.
"We have asked, we begged, we pleaded for people to be vaccinated. It is now time for us to stop being so parental, and start allowing people to make grown folk decisions, understanding fully that grown folk decisions come with grown folk consequences,” Johnson said.
“So for those who chose not to be vaccinated, understand what the risks are, certainly understand what the consequences are. We’re not going allow your lack of decision, you're in decisiveness to stop the rest of the City of Savannah, who's doing the right thing. We're moving on, and being what we can be in our next chapter."
Katie Nussbaum is the city and county government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. Contact her at knussbaum@savannahnow.com. Twitter: KnussSMN
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Rock 'n' Roll Marathon happening as city of Savannah OKs outdoor event permits in November
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