STATEMENT ON COVID-19/CORONAVIRUS… It is important that we all do our part to protect against the spread of COVID-19, better known as coronavirus. While most RedZone Weather services are completely unaffected by this viral outbreak, we are announcing a temporary cancellation through the end of March regarding school presentations.
All RedZone Weather digital services, including daily weather videos, live severe weather coverage, the RedZone Weather app, and all other content across our platforms are expected to continue with no service interruption expected. I’m fortunate to live and work in the same building, thus even if I happen to need to self-quarantine because of the coronavirus, I can and will continue to bring you daily videos, near constant app content, and live severe weather coverage (if needed).
School presentations are an important way for us to get our name and our sponsors’ names in front of thousands of students each year. I have been in consultation with local school superintendents over the last few days. I have also evaluated the latest information from the Alabama Department of Public Health and the CDC on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, I have made the difficult decision to cancel all school presentations through the end of March. This decision affects upcoming presentations scheduled in Baldwin County, Escambia County (AL), Santa Rosa County, and Monroe County School systems. This decision is consistent with numerous broadcast meteorologists across the nation that have been given corporate orders to not conduct public appearances during the coronavirus outbreak. This decision is also consistent with the guidance announced this morning by State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric G. Mackey, who encouraged all schools to limit large gatherings.
This decision was made, not out of fear, but out of an abundance of caution. Limiting large gatherings and groups will be key to limiting coronavirus exposure in the weeks ahead, according to guidance from the CDC. I look forward to coordinating with teachers and administrators to reschedule all affected school presentations at a later date.
Thank you for understanding. May we all be encouraging, use hand sanitizer, and wash our hands in this bizarre pandemic of coronavirus. Thank YOU for watching RedZone Weather!
