Fate of the Fest

[Australian fan]

The flu vaccine ( which is changed every year depending on the strains that are circulating) has a very big impact in protecting very vulnerable populations. It doesn’t protect everyone, of course but it keeps a pool of much more vulnerable people much safer. We can’t do this with a novel disease.

Thank you for sharing AF!

On top of what you've mentioned, I believe the transmission of coronavirus is far more insidious than the "regular flu" in so far as a significant number infected individuals having very mild symptoms intermingling with the general population; whereas an individual with the typical "regular flu" would likely be sidelined and remain in bed.

Not looking to get under anyone's skin, but I've been blown away by how this combined dynamic has been minimized; as if fatalities that are incurred by vulnerable populations are acceptable losses as a trade-off for keeping economies afloat.    Not suggesting anyone has explicitly stated something to this effect, but when you think it through, it's the bottom line of the grand equation.

As much as life in China might not be my cup of tea, I believe they have the right idea in terms of "total lockdown".  Imagine if the entire world were to adopt a similar protocols, we'd likely have the virus contained well before bluegrass and not have what might eventually amount to hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of deaths.  And we're kidding ourselves if we don't believe something even more potent isn't around the next corner (however long that might be).

I think you are very close to the mark China is not my idea of a democracy or a place that places a high regard for human rights but they certainly acted swiftly and decisively to contain transmission.  The impact can be seen. That said, I expect a second wave of transmission there, it’s almost inevitable. There are now three distinct strains circulating in the world. It’s essential that countries test, test, test. South Korea is testing 10,000 people a day.  They know who is ill and they are isolating them.  Reducing transmission and reducing the reproduction rate is essential to ensure health services aren’t over run.

Stay safe Festy family. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Ps the first international performer just cancelled her concert here ( Miley Cyrus). I am gloomily anticipating subsequent announcements of all the others.  We started with bushfires here in Australia  and now the epidemic.  Feels biblical this 2020

[Hooch]

I just want to calm everyone's fears and assure you that Camp Run-A-Muck will have plenty of toilet paper on hand in case of pandemic emergency.  Neither rain nor sleet nor snow nor beer virus will hamper us from our sworn festival duties of providing nonsense and the like.  Wear your best useless surgical mask (because you ugly!) and let us festivate in the wake of global insanity.  But also wash your hands.

[culasthewiz]

This is the end of the thongies, isn't it.

[Pass Port]

I just want to calm everyone's fears and assure you that Camp Run-A-Muck will have plenty of toilet paper on hand in case of pandemic emergency.  Neither rain nor sleet nor snow nor beer virus will hamper us from our sworn festival duties of providing nonsense and the like.  Wear your best useless surgical mask (because you ugly!) and let us festivate in the wake of global insanity.  But also wash your hands.

Hooch, maybe make a second batch of Crunchy Frog utilizing a higher filtration method to remove the larger frog parts. Use that at hand sanitizer stations as well as for a morning 'fogging session'' in the community center.

Lucas, you better be joking!  I need a good thongie in Town Park!!

[MaddieRose]

I just want to calm everyone's fears and assure you that Camp Run-A-Muck will have plenty of toilet paper on hand in case of pandemic emergency.  Neither rain nor sleet nor snow nor beer virus will hamper us from our sworn festival duties of providing nonsense and the like.  Wear your best useless surgical mask (because you ugly!) and let us festivate in the wake of global insanity.  But also wash your hands.

Dear Dr Hooch;

I've read that Crunchy Frog can protect against a host of ailments. Is Corona virus one of them? Or does it really only protect against festivating while sober?

Regards

A concerned inmate.

[ToddG]

I'd like to know what the Planet is thinking, doing etc... MerleFest just made a statement about the efforts they are putting in place to be able to go ahead with the festival under current conditions. Maybe Covid-19 isn't contractable above 8,00ft! See you all in June!!!!

[Hooch]

I just want to calm everyone's fears and assure you that Camp Run-A-Muck will have plenty of toilet paper on hand in case of pandemic emergency.  Neither rain nor sleet nor snow nor beer virus will hamper us from our sworn festival duties of providing nonsense and the like.  Wear your best useless surgical mask (because you ugly!) and let us festivate in the wake of global insanity.  But also wash your hands.

Dear Dr Hooch;

I've read that Crunchy Frog can protect against a host of ailments. Is Corona virus one of them? Or does it really only protect against festivating while sober?

Regards

A concerned inmate.

Dear Ms. Inmate,

Thank you for your question.  It is true that there is a plethora of very real-sounding evidence showing that Crunchy Frog does, in fact, protect from such obvious ailments as: intestinal and oral bacteria, esophageal phlegm, plumbing stoppage, and certain STD's (if you can't get it up then you ain't doing the deed....you're welcome).  However, I have not yet made up any graphs showing Frog's effectiveness on coronavirus transmission.  This is why we will be doing a variety of scientific research at camp this year that mostly involves open-mouth kissing. 

Best Regards,

Hooch

[culasthewiz]

I'd like to know what the Planet is thinking, doing etc... MerleFest just made a statement about the efforts they are putting in place to be able to go ahead with the festival under current conditions. Maybe Covid-19 isn't contractable above 8,00ft! See you all in June!!!!

I was wondering what they'd have to say about it so I looked it up.

The news about the Coronavirus is unsettling for all of us. We have been monitoring this since day one and will continue to do so. Our plan at the present is to stay the course for MerleFest 2020. We are putting plans in place with our local health and safety officials to provide extra safety measures for attendees. This includes tripling the number of hand wash locations across the festival grounds, enhancing our custodial and maintenance force to continually wipe down door handles, bathrooms, water fountains and using CDC approved cleaning chemicals to sanitize, etc. A lot can happen in the coming weeks and our hope is that the virus will slow down or diminish by festival time. We’ll continue to follow guidance from the CDC as well as state and local health officials and will certainly be in touch with ticket holders and fans by email, website, and social media should anything change. Thank you and we hope to see you in April.

[Australian fan]

I'd like to know what the Planet is thinking, doing etc... MerleFest just made a statement about the efforts they are putting in place to be able to go ahead with the festival under current conditions. Maybe Covid-19 isn't contractable above 8,00ft! See you all in June!!!!

Yes it is - there are numerous cases in Switzerland Italy including Alpine regions. Hasn’t Colorado declared a state of emergency?

I guess Planet is still assessing at this stage, we will know more in the next month as US starts testing on a more realistic basis.

The big music festival here next month is still scheduled to go ahead but they are working with the Chief health officer and the Australian Health Emergency Preparedness Committee to assess risk and patrons are being updated. My guess is that most events will do that. They will need to have a medical or scientific advisory issued to be able to cover their losses on insurance if they cancel ( that’s how it happens here anyway)

Let’s hold on and hope for the best. Wash your hands. Don’t forget to apply hand sanitiser to your finger tips. Don’t hug and kiss ( this is the one I find the hardest to follow) I like hugging my friends!

Stay safe Festy family 💙💚💙💚💙

[Hooch]

I just want to calm everyone's fears and assure you that Camp Run-A-Muck will have plenty of toilet paper on hand in case of pandemic emergency.  Neither rain nor sleet nor snow nor beer virus will hamper us from our sworn festival duties of providing nonsense and the like.  Wear your best useless surgical mask (because you ugly!) and let us festivate in the wake of global insanity.  But also wash your hands.

Hooch, maybe make a second batch of Crunchy Frog utilizing a higher filtration method to remove the larger frog parts. Use that at hand sanitizer stations as well as for a morning 'fogging session'' in the community center.

Lucas, you better be joking!  I need a good thongie in Town Park!!

Paul, your comment has given me an idea for a sterilizing Crunchy Frog misting system that will cover all visitors with a very light coating of Frog, thereby keeping that coronavirus thingy out of the community center while making everyone slightly sticky and weird.  

[Hooch]

I'd like to know what the Planet is thinking, doing etc... MerleFest just made a statement about the efforts they are putting in place to be able to go ahead with the festival under current conditions. Maybe Covid-19 isn't contractable above 8,00ft! See you all in June!!!!

Yes it is - there are numerous cases in Switzerland Italy including Alpine regions. Hasn’t Colorado declared a state of emergency?

I guess Planet is still assessing at this stage, we will know more in the next month as US starts testing on a more realistic basis.

The big music festival here next month is still scheduled to go ahead but they are working with the Chief health officer and the Australian Health Emergency Preparedness Committee to assess risk and patrons are being updated. My guess is that most events will do that. They will need to have a medical or scientific advisory issued to be able to cover their losses on insurance. ( that’s how it happens here anyway)

Let’s hold on and hope for the best. Wash your hands. Don’t forget to apply hand sanitiser to your finger tips. Don’t hug and kiss ( this is the one I find the hardest to follow)

Yes, as of today Colorado has declared a state of emergency.  This is why I'm going to the bar tonight.

[culasthewiz]

Yes, as of today Colorado has declared a state of emergency.  This is why I'm going to the bar tonight.

[BuckeyeDog]

Hooch,
Don't forget we're bringing the ghost peppers that we can add to the mist!

[FaceOnMars]

I'd like to know what the Planet is thinking, doing etc... MerleFest just made a statement about the efforts they are putting in place to be able to go ahead with the festival under current conditions. Maybe Covid-19 isn't contractable above 8,00ft! See you all in June!!!!

Yes it is - there are numerous cases in Switzerland Italy including Alpine regions. Hasn’t Colorado declared a state of emergency?

Apparently, the Colorado Governor just declared a state of emergency.

As to altitude:  I offer that it might exacerbate some underlying medical conditions; perhaps rendering some people more vulnerable to complications if they do in fact contract corona.

Personally, I've had a more difficult time contending with altitude in recent years and also learned that my cardio/pulmonary system isn't up to speed contending with wildfire smoke.   I also have Hashimotos which is an autoimmune disease (hypothyroid) and seem to often have prolonged bouts of sickness.  Not sure what factor is most responsible, but know that I need to be careful.   To this end, I unloaded my String Duster's ticket at the Opera House this past Saturday, which really hurt!

  virtual hug to you AF!

[BuckeyeDog]

State of emergency in Ohio as well. And Coachella has been postponed to October. Stay safe out there folks.