NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The 79 Iroquois Steeplechase race in 2020 has been canceled amid the current public health crisis.
Organizers will instead plan a citywide safer-at-home celebration to honor the Nashville tradition.
The event was first scheduled for May 9 and later rescheduled for June 27 after the outbreak began in Tennessee.
"The highest priority of The Iroquois Steeplechase, a 501 (c) (3) organization, is the safety of the patrons and participants," said Chairman Dwight Hall. "It has been determined by rules and regulations from our city officials and health department that social distancing will still be in place on our scheduled date of June 27. The magic of the Steeplechase is the camaraderie among friends from boxes packed with 10 to 12 people to tailgaters hosting large group parties in the infield.”
Organizers say details on the celebration will be announced soon.
Iroquois Steeplechase will continue to donate to organizations in Middle Tennessee, including Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Ticket holders can find more information on the Iroquois Steeplechase website in the coming days.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
