HAMLET — Classes are still on at Richmond Community College, but all events are canceled until at least mid-April.
“Based on Gov. Roy Cooper’s guidelines issued yesterday afternoon and today’s direction from Dr. Tommy Jarrell, Richmond County Health & Human Services director, Richmond Community College is prohibited from holding any events that draw more than 100 people starting today through the next 30 days,” college President Dr. Dale McInnis said in a statement Friday.
State leaders on Thursday issued the recommendations during a press conference on COVID-19 and Jarrell echoed that recommendation on Friday for events where people are less than 6 feet apart in proximity — including church services.
The recommendation, which has led to the cancelling of many sporting events, festivals and concerts across the state and nation, is until April 12.
“(T)he Governor has indicated a re-assessment will occur at that point,” Jarrell said.
Cole Auditorium, on the campus of RichmondCC, hosts many community events as well as concerts.
A prom for senior citizens that was scheduled for Friday was canceled.
“In the interest of public health and compliance with these directions, the College is coordinating with all impacted parties and stakeholders to reschedule events if possible, including the final two shows of the DeWitt Performing Arts Series,” McInnis added. “We ask that any ticket holders for the ‘An American in Paris’ musical and Phil Vassar concert retain those tickets until further notice about rescheduled performance dates.”
All event cancellation notifications will be made on the college’s website and Facebook page.
McInnis concluded by announcing that college staff will be registering students for the summer semester “while taking all necessary precautions for the health and safety of students and employees.”
