"We have been monitoring the developments around the virus closely over the last few weeks, and we were aware that a cancellation of the awards was a possibility," says Palesa Madumo, PRISM Awards convenor. "We acknowledge that the PR and communication industry, at large, will be disappointed; however, this decision has been taken with their health and safety in mind."

On Sunday, 15 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster and announced safety measures and precautions to be put in place over the next weeks, which include:
  • prohibiting gatherings of 100 or more people
  • closing schools from Wednesday, 18 March until after the Easter holidays
  • cancelling celebrations for upcoming national days and government events
  • closing of some ports of entries to South Africa
  • the banning of travelling to high-risk countries
  • cancelling visas for travellers from high-risk areas
The PRISM's committee has indicated that it will be in contact with all individuals, agencies and organisations that have entered the 2020 awards. The committee has also reported that additional information will be shared with the public in due course.

Refunds will be given to all those who have purchased tickets. Individuals are encouraged to contact [email protected] if they should have any questions relating to the refund.

"We are considering a number of options to still ensure that entrants and the ultimate winners of the awards are acknowledged and celebrated. We will make this information available once finalised," concludes Madumo.

For more information, visit www.prism-awards.co.za or www.prisa.co.za. You can also follow PRISA on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.