Long Beach Postpones Pride Festival, Parade Due To Coronavirus

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach postponed its gay pride festival Saturday due to the coronavirus, and announced that its City Council meetings would take place by teleconference starting next week.

The 37th annual event, which brings thousands of people together is close proximity, was scheduled for May 16-17, with a parade on Ocean Boulevard and a music and dance festival in the downtown shoreline area.

"It is with an abundance of caution that the Long Beach Pride Board has decided to postpone the 2020 Festival and Parade," said Denise Newman, president of Long Beach Pride. ``Our commitment to the city of Long Beach and our entire community includes ensuring the health and well-being of citizens, attendees, artists, volunteers, staff, and vendors. We look forward to celebrating with our amazing LGBTQ+ and ally family, neighbors and friends at a later date, and encourage everyone to celebrate their Pride each and every day.

Los Angeles had earlier postponed its gay pride parade, scheduled for June.

Long Beach officials say about 70 people in the city are being monitored for the virus. They are reporting four confirmed cases so far, 15 negative results and 11 pending results.

Also, the Long Beach Water Department is joining Southern California Edison in temporarily suspending shutoffs for people who can't pay their bill.

The city has established a coronavirus-related hotline for businesses, workers and employers at 562-570-4249.

—City News Service

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