MURPHYSBORO, Ill. -The impact of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to create uncertainty and concern both globally and here in our community. Illinois Extension is in the process of activating strategies with campus to protect everyone’s health and safety.

This week, the University of Illinois also announced a suspension on all in-person events and meetings in campus facilities to protect you and our entire community. Illinois Extension, as the outreach program of the university, aligns with all policies related to public health and safety.

Effective Friday, March 13, all university-sponsored events with more than 50 anticipated attendees are suspended indefinitely. At this time, the following events are impacted by the implementation of this new policy.

Confirmed event cancellations through May 31:

• March 14: St. Patrick's Day Parade (Jackson County)
• March 20: Wood Sculpture Workshop (Jackson County)
• March 21: Woodworking Workshop (Jackson County)
• March 28: Southern Regional Horse Bowl and Hippology (Jackson County)
• March 28: Shooting Sports Instructor Training (Williamson County)
• April 3: Performance Showcase (Jackson County)
• April 4: 4-H Foundation Run for the Clover 5K (Franklin County)
• April 7: Passport Party (Perry County)
• April 11: Earth Day Celebration (Jackson County)
• April 13: Zero Waste Baking Workshop (Jackson County)
• April 25: Spring Cupcake Decorating Workshop (Randolph County)

Events currently postponed, changed or future status to be determined:

• March 14: 4-H Foundation Pancake Day (Randolph County) -rescheduled for September 19
• March 21: Jackson/Perry/Randolph Livestock Weigh-In - postponed (new date TBD)
• March 24: Food Fair (Franklin County)- City of Sesser to take over markets until further notice
• April 6: Mobile Food Market (Franklin County)- City of Sesser to take over markets until further notice
• April 7: Weed and Pest Management Workshop- switched to online format

*This list is subject to change daily. 

For events that required registrations, ticket purchases, donations, refunds, and more, expect staff to reach out with communication about these concerns at a future date as we are currently in the planning stages. We appreciate the support and patience with our programs and the rescheduling of events to later dates.

Look for specific information about other cancellations and postponements on our events page. In some cases, in-person trainings are being replaced with webinars or online meetings, or with digital resources you can review at your convenience. If you have any questions about events, please call (618) 439-3178.

A collection of resources to assist families and community leaders preparing for and coping with COVID-19 is available online at www.go.illinois.edu/ExtensionCOVID19resources.

We are working to support all Illinois families at this time. We appreciate your support and understanding as we navigate this situation.