AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: The attached video is about the cancellation of SXSW 2020.
The University of Texas announced on Friday that its "Explore UT" event that was scheduled for Saturday has been canceled following the City of Austin's declaration of a local state of disaster regarding the coronavirus.
UT expected approximately 50,000 prospective students, teachers and families to visit its campus for the event. The event would have hosted live shows, experiments, lectures and hands-on workshops highlighting the importance of higher education.
UT issued the following statement regarding the cancellation:
"With the city’s declaration of a local state of disaster, The University of Texas has decided to cancel Saturday’s Explore UT event out of an abundance of caution.
This event is unique in that it brings thousands of out-of-town residents — including many young children — to campus, where they participate in high-touch, interactive, hands-on programs for hours at a time. It is distinct from other programs held on campus, including sporting events, which are shorter and are not hands-on or interactive.
In close consultation with local health officials, we plan to maintain all other programs, classes and operations, as we continually monitor the rapidly-changing situation surrounding COVID-19."
The City of Austin declared a local state of disaster and also canceled South by Southwest on Friday.
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