The Atlanta Pride Committee (APC) has announced hat they are still planning to hold an in-person event over the festival dates in October.
In response to Atlanta Mayor Bottoms recent executive order requiring the use of masks in all indoor public spaces and the daily statistics around increasing COVID rates and the Delta variant, APC has experienced an uptick in inquiries around the status of the festival, which is scheduled for October 8-10. However, APC Executive Director Jamie Ferguson says that plans are still in motion for the in-person festival.
“The last year has certainly been challenging,” Ferguson said. “However, we are confident that we will do everything in our power to create a safe and healthy environment for the 2021 festival. If necessary, we will be ready to return to virtual programming – but we know that our community is looking forward to an in-person event. As long as it is safe to do so, this is our plan.”
“This executive order does not cancel our event,” she continued. “We have and will continue to monitor updates to CDC guidelines as well as having an open line of communication with the mayor’s office around COVID-related mandates and executive orders. The bottom line is that we strongly encourage everyone, especially those who plan to come and enjoy the festival, to please get fully vaccinated now to mitigate exposure and possible spread at the festival.”
APC will update health and safety plans as guidance changes to remain in compliance with city ordinances and CDC guidelines. Additional announcements will be made as needed.