Next weekend’s Razor Clam Festival in Ocean Shores has been postponed in light of Covid-19 and concerns that large gatherings increase its spread. The event was scheduled for the Convention Center. No announcements have been made about rescheduling.

Jon Martin, a city council member who has helped organize the event, said in an email Wednesday night that restrictions on events in the Puget Sound area and announcements from high profile institutions such as the NBA and the NCAA that games would not be played or played with no crowds, create so much uncertainty, organizers felt vendors and sponsors needed to know now.

A large gathering of 12-step members, known as Clean and Free, was scheduled at the convention center this weekend, but has canceled its event.

City government is directly involved in putting on the event. Martin said the Convention Center staff and Mayor Crystal Dingler made the decision after numerous conference calls, and discussions with sponsors, and not knowing what future government restrictions may effect Ocean Shores events. The clam festival was scheduled for March 21-22.

Martin’s email said the Convention Center continues to follow the Center for Disease Control Interim Guidelines for mass gatherings and large community events. These include:

• Daily cleaning of frequently-touched surfaces and door-handles and deep cleaning after each event

• Visual aids offering guidance to help slow the spread of COVID-19

• Visual aids encouraging sick people not to attend events

• Extra sanitation stations at both entrances and where food is served

• An isolation area has been prepared with appropriate supplies.

• Putting Emergency Operations and communication plans into action and staying informed of local situations when necessary

“This is a difficult time for everyone, and we are operating in an unknown environment,” Martin said. “It is more important than ever we work together and support each other.”