It’s with even more sadness that we have made the decision to postpone our own Alternate Festival of Books — with growing, science-based concern and following the lead of institutions such as the University of Arizona which has cancelled in-person classes, we think this is the safest and most socially responsible decision, despite being naturally the “keep strong and carry on” kind of people.

Here’s why:

The article linked below in the Lancet Journal (the highly respected medical journal) shows powerful and clear data that social distancing is very important right now. Social distancing is avoiding crowds, gatherings with groups of people, and limiting close contact with others, which is staying at least 6 feet from them. In classrooms and book-buying situations, this is just not feasible.

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30567-5/fulltext

Excerpt from summary:

"In our view, COVID-19 has developed into a pandemic, with small chains of transmission in many countries and large chains resulting in extensive spread in a few countries, such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, and Japan.1 Most countries are likely to have spread of COVID-19, at least in the early stages, before any mitigation measures have an impact. What has happened in China shows that quarantine, social distancing, and isolation of infected populations can contain the epidemic.1

This impact of the COVID-19 response in China is encouraging for the many countries where COVID-19 is beginning to spread. However, it is unclear whether other countries can implement the stringent measures China eventually adopted. Singapore and Hong Kong, both of which had severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemics in 2002–03, provide hope and many lessons to other countries. In both places, COVID-19 has been managed well to date, despite early cases, by early government action and through social distancing measures taken by individuals.”

For another excellent discussion with a lot of practical advice, see:

https://www.flattenthecurve.com

The author, Julie McMurray, has the kind of background we trust: “I have a masters degree in public health from the University of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine as well as a background in infectious diseases and vaccine development. The impact of this pandemic will be needlessly amplified by misinformation, so be careful. I’ve endeavored to be as accurate as possible without causing panic. I have not been paid to write this post, but given my training I do feel like it is my responsibility. This is a volunteer effort that qualified people are welcome to help contribute to. Frankly the only reason it is not anonymous is because it would be less likely to be taken seriously, and we need all of the gravitas we can get right now.”

Thank you for your understanding, and we will see you at a future party when things get back to normal!

• Roseann and Jonathan

Times: n/a

Location: n/a

Tucson Festival of Books is cancelled but we're not down for the count! Join Jonathan Hanson and Roseann Beggy Hanson for our own little alternate Festival of Books. Watch this space for other authors who might join us, and links to other alternate festival author events in town.

Nine titles by Jonathan Hanson and Roseann Beggy Hanson, including the new "Nature Journaling for a Wild Life," an eight-week workshop-in-a-book that includes journaling paper (http://www.exploringoverland.com/shop/nature-journaling).

Also: Southern Arizona Nature Almanac, 50 Common Reptiles and Amphibians, The San Pedro River: A Discovery Guide, There's a Bobcat in My Backyard ,Victor the Reluctant Vulture (children's book), Tales of the Southwest, Vehicle-dependent Expedition Guide, 4x4 Driving (read about our books at: http://www.exploringoverland.com)

Coffee / tea in the morning; beer, wine, nibbles in the afternoon

BONUS: Free roll of toilet paper with every book purchased (while supplies last)!