The European Brass Band Association has stated that it is closely monitoring the ongoing situation in respect to the potential spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

With the European Brass Band Championships due to be held in Palanga in Lithuania at the end of April, EBBA has stated that they are "monitoring developments concerning the Corona virus closely through the media and are in contact with the relevant authorities."

Follow advice

They go on to add: "EBBA and the local organisers will follow advice issued by the governments concerning the organisation of the event including any requirements and measures indicated by the authorities in order to mitigate against any potential spread of infection during the event, to help control the situation."

Cases

It has been reported that the first case of COVID-19 in Lithuania was reported by the country's Health Ministry on February 28th. The Lithuanian woman flew into Kaunas from Verona in Italy, and is currently in isolation in hospital.

It has been officially reported that there are COVID 19 cases in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Germany and the UK. Other countries both in Europe and throughout the world have also reported cases.

UK meeting

The United Kingdom government will be holding an emergency meeting today (Monday 2nd March) where official plans will be decided on how to tackle the potential spread of the virus. Cases of COVID-19 have been reported in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The health, security and well-being of all participants and visitors is our prime concernEBBA

EBBA statement:

The Executive Committee of EBBA and the local organisers, Palangos Orkestras, are continuing to work intensively in the preparations to host the 43rd European Brass Band Championships in Palanga Concert Hall.

We are monitoring developments concerning the Corona virus closely through the media and are in contact with the relevant authorities.

EBBA and the local organisers will follow advice issued by the governments concerning the organisation of the event including any requirements and measures indicated by the authorities in order to mitigate against any potential spread of infection during the event, to help control the situation.

The health, security and well-being of all participants and visitors is our prime concern.

Kor Niehof
General Secretary
European Brass Band Association