A MUCH-LOVED Johnstone theatre group has confirmed its upcoming spring show will still go ahead as planned, despite fears over the coronavirus outbreak.
Members of the Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group will take to the stage for the adaptation of hit movie Ghost, which starred Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore and was the highest grossing film of 1990.
They will be bringing their latest musical adventure to Johnstone's Town Hall from April 29 until May 2.
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And, while a number of events across Renfrewshire have been cancelled in a bid to tackle Covid-19, organisers say the show will go on.
They say as the venue holds under 500 people and the latest Scottish Government advice is to only postpone events in excess of that they have taken the decision to continue as normal for now.
In a statement posted on their Facebook page, president Mhairi Heron said: "Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group have been observing the development of COVID19 (commonly known as the Coronavirus) evolve and with our highly anticipated show, ‘Ghost - The Musical’ planned for April, we have taken advice from NODA, Government officials and many local and national organisations to provide the following statement.
"Firstly, we want to express that we are committed to the welfare of our cast, production team and all of our potential audience members. This is of paramount importance.
"The most recent advice is for the public to avoid mass crowds of 500 people or over. As our production of ‘Ghost - The Musical’ is due to take place in Johnstone Town Hall, we are able to share that the maximum capacity for the Town Hall is 264. Well under the suggested limit of ‘mass crowds’.
"As far as Renfrewshire Leisure are concerned they have received no directive to close any of their facilities at present and at the moment our event will be going ahead. As you can appreciate this changes on a daily, if not hourly basis, but please rest assured, if there are any changes, we will contact you immediately.
"As Johnstone Town Hall accommodates 264 in the main hall and a possible cast of 40-50 on stage, they do not have to worry about cancelling ‘mass gatherings’ as the only guidance they have been given is to ensure that there are no gatherings over 500 people.
"Renfrewshire Leisure have ensured that there is strict cleaning procedures in place and I can guarantee that the Town Hall premises is being cleaned on an hourly basis, i.e. toilets, door handles, push pads, surfaces etc. There are plenty facilities to wash hands regularly, hand wash provided is anti-bacterial, unfortunately they are unable to provide anti-bacterial gel and are not obligated to do so, although would encourage you to bring along anti-bacterial gel if you thought it was appropriate for yourself.
"I would also like to reiterate that all cast/crew/public must follow current government and NHS guidelines in terms of hygiene and cleanliness. If cast/crew/public are unwell in the run up to Ghost – The Musical, we would recommend following these guidelines.
"Additionally, if anyone becomes unwell during the event, can you please isolate that member of public/staff immediately and make the Customer Services Supervisors aware of the situation.
"It is with great delight we are in a position to say, this show will go on."
The statement added: "At present we are awaiting a government announcement regarding the over 70s and will update in due course.
"From all of us here at Johnstone Phoneix Theatre Group, we look forward to welcoming you at the end of April and know you are in for an amazing show."
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