Matrics across the country have been hanging onto hopes that their end-of-era celebrations would not be implemented by COVID-19. The discovery of the new Omicron variant has unfortunately tipped the scale for event organisers. Plett Rage 2021 has officially been cancelled.
Plett Rage 2021 released the following statement:
With our beloved festival due to start tomorrow, the alarming number of positive cases are being reported to us by our customers, from their hometown, due to them being required to take the mandatory PCR before making their way to Plettenberg Bay has shaken us to our core.
Almost all schools set to attend Plett Rage have positive cases. Based on the trajectory of this virus, this is only a tiny percentage of what we are now certain will show up. The numbers are only going to increase rapidly.
Although we, as organisers, have implemented the most stringent COVID-19 preventive measures, there was no way to preempt the devastation that the current surge of COVID-19 cases nationally would cause.
The system we put in place regarding pre and onsite testing was our safety net to know what was happening prior to opening. To those who tested positive, thank you for letting us know; please immediately isolate and contact trace; we hope your symptoms are low and wish you a quick and speedy recovery.
With the information that we have and after consultation with our partners in Plettenberg Bay and Provincial Health, we are forced to cancel #PlettRage2021.
We are shattered. Our event site is built, all staff are ready to welcome you with open arms after months of not working. Our doors are ready to open but will sadly stay shut.
The situation is entirely unimaginable, but there is no doubt in our minds that this is the right decision. We want to thank the Bitou Municipality for the support and constant engagements over the many months leading up to the festival.
Whilst we understand the disappointment that this causes for those who were looking forward to enjoying the festival, these are unprecedented times.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support. Thank you also to our whole Plett Rage family, both customers and staff, who all vaccinated in order to enjoy a safe and memorable #PlettRage2021.
Ticket holders will receive further information in the coming days via email.
Thank you for getting us this far.
The news comes a day after event organisers stated that they have taken every measure they possibly can to keep the Plett Rage community safe.
“We urge you to please do your part as well. In the days leading up to our event, please avoid any large gatherings or events where [COVID] safely protocols are not adhered to.”
Everyone who was to attend Plett Rage 2021 had to be vaccinated and provide a negative PCR test upon arrival.
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Picture: Facebook