The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo closed the grounds at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, with 11 days remaining for the annual event that attracts millions of people and funds scholarships to Texas youth.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner made the announcement during a press conference on Wednesday, citing growing concerns over the novel coronavirus or COVID-19.
“For those of us who are Texans through-and-through, from our area and our region, you know just how much we love the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,” Turner said during the press conference. “But the health and safety of the people in our region is paramount.”
Rodeo officials issued a statement following the press conference.
“In the interest of public health, the City of Houston and the Houston Health Department have ordered the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to close,” the statement reads. “The Rodeo will respectfully and dutifully comply with the City’s order.”
The World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11.
Of the 21 cases of COVID-19 in Texas, 14 of them are in the Houston area, according to KBTX News.
A presumptive positive case was announced from a Montgomery County patient who attended the BBQ Cook-off at the fairgrounds on Feb. 28.
“As heartbreaking as this is for our millions of fans, exhibitors and contestants, it’s the right thing to do for the wellbeing of our community,” Joel Cowley, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, said in the press conference.
Turner said he will sign an emergency health declaration for the City of Houston. The declaration will remain in place for seven days. After that, the Houston City Council would have to approve an extension, if needed.
“Having to close early is extremely difficult as guests, volunteers, exhibitors, rodeo athletes and entertainers look forward to the 20 days of the rodeo each year,” according to a rodeo officials. “We look forward to the 2021 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to continue to promote agriculture, education, entertainment and Western heritage.”