Amid concerns about the coronavirus, the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals have both been rescheduled.
The order came from Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser, and his announcement was made this afternoon:
"This decision was not taken lightly or without consideration of many factors. No doubt it will impact many people, but my top priority is to protect the health of the entire community."
A public health emergency was declared in the county after the first locally-acquired coronavirus case was discovered. Six cases have been reported in Riverside County in total, including four in the Coachella Valley.
Goldenvoice, the company that puts on the two events, said Coachella will now take place on October 9, 10 and 11 and October 16, 17 and 18, 2020. Stagecoach will take place on October 23, 24 and 25, 2020. All tickets purchased for the April dates will be honored, and refunds will be issued for anyone who can't make the new dates.
"While this decision comes at a time of universal uncertainty, we take the safety and health of our guests, staff and community very seriously," the statement read. "We urge everyone to follow the guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials."
A star-studded line-up for this year's Coachella festival was announced in January, featuring headliners Rage Against the Machine, Travis Scott and Frank Ocean.
- General admission passes started at $429.
- Both weekends were sold out (although it appears some passes were still available via pricey "travel packages."
- The first weekend is scheduled to run Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12.
- Weekend 2 is scheduled for Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19.
Stagecoach headliners include country stars Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood and Eric Church.
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