The doctor who suggested canceling the 2020 SXSW Festivals is not very optimistic it’ll be back in 2021.
In a Q&A with the media, the Interim Austin-Travis County Health Authority, Dr. Mark Escott was asked how he might handle the possible cancellations of upcoming events in the spring, due to the pandemic.
“Well, I think it's important to remember that the large events were the first thing that we turned off and will probably be the last thing we turn back on,” Escott told reporters.
Escott did say he thought that the efficient distribution of vaccines could make the large events in late spring more feasible, which would exclude SXSW, scheduled in mid-March. “The better compliance we can get with a vaccination, the more likely it is that as we approach April, May, June that we'll be more inclined to start approving those larger events.”
2020 was the first time SXSW was cancelled in its 34 year history.
Full Transcript of Dr. Mark Escott’s answer:
“Well, I think it's important to remember that the large events where the first thing that we turned off and will probably be the last thing we turn back on, but the situation as the vaccine becomes available, as people get the vaccine and as we move closer towards herd immunity, that risk for large surges will start to diminish. That's why it's important that folks get the vaccine…complete their series of vaccines, because we know right now that at least these initial vaccines are going to require two doses. The better compliance we can get with vaccination, the more likely it is that as we approach April, May, June, that we'll be more inclined to start approving those larger events.”