Toronto has started moving events online to encourage social distancing
With an increasing number of Toronto residents in self-imposed isolation due to the risk involved in the spread of coronavirus, social distancing is in and gathering in large groups is out.
Since in-person events are a no-go for the time being, local organizers have begun to move the party online.
In the wake of Ontario health officials warning against gatherings of over 250 people, Facebook Live, Instagram and streaming platforms are quickly being adopted by organizers as an alternative to in-person events.
Local choir collective Choir!Choir!Choir! has planned CHOIR!NTINE: AN EPIC SOCIAL DISTANCING SING-A-LONG that's taking place via Facebook Live on Tuesday, March 17, with lyrics to songs like "Stand By Me", "Wish You Were Here" and the theme to Friends available on Google Drive.
This Tuesday from 8-9:30pm EST, you are invited to CHOIR!NTINE: AN EPIC SOCIAL DISTANCING SING-A-LONG
— Choir! Choir! Choir! (@choirchoirchoir) March 16, 2020
Where: https://t.co/m9cfdli0gr
Download lyrics here: https://t.co/yRMl7IzXdX
Then join our Livestream Tuesday at 8pm!
C! U! Soon! XOXOXO
PS: Invite your friends + fam! pic.twitter.com/XW4XsQNxp2
Similarly, Writers From The Block, a showcase of Toronto singer-songwriters, have moved their tour to Instragram for the Social Distancing Stay at Home Live Steam Tour happening nightly at 9 p.m. from March 16 to 21.
With news that Toronto restaurants are being urged to move to delivery and takeout only and bars and nightclubs close immediately, some events typically hosted at physical locations are converting to digital.
Erin Brockobić, organizer of the Sunday Drag Brunch series that takes place at Glad Day Bookshop, announced today that there will be an online brunch hangout where folks can donate to Glad Day’s Emergency Fund.
Vancouver indie rock musician Dan Mangan was also quick to adapt to changing circumstances last week when the second of two shows at The Danforth Music Hall was postponed.
Mangan broadcast what he called #Quarantunes #ShowToNobody on live stream to the near-empty concert hall and posted the audience-less performance to YouTube.
It's difficult to predict how the coronavirus will continue to impact events and festivals in Toronto, but online events might help us feel just a little more connected.
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