Archives for March 2020

YarnCon 2020 is Cancelled

With incredibly heavy hearts, we have decided to cancel YarnCon this year. The health, safety, and well-being of our vendors, attendees, speakers, and friends is our top concern. Because of the evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation, we feel it’s important to do what we can to minimize the spread of this virus.

We encourage you to check out our amazing vendor list, and support them through this difficult time. We will be here to answer any questions you might have.

If you registered for a class, we are already working on getting those refunds to you, please give us a little time, but email us if you have concerns.

COVID-19 Updates

Dear Friends of YarnCon,

Your health and safety are our top priority, and we want to update you on the most current recommendations of local, state, and federal health authorities regarding health risks associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Based on what we’ve seen in affected countries, COVID-19 can cause mild to severe respiratory illness. The virus appears to be transmitted through person-to-person contact and health authorities expect more cases may occur in Chicago and the United States. Practicing basic hygiene such as washing your hands regularly with soap is the best way to stop the transmission of the virus. 

In order to keep everyone involved with YarnCon safe, we are sharing the guidelines from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). The Plumbers Union Hall is also sharing the same information, and is staying in touch with us as well as we monitor this situation.

 If you’re sick, stay home.

Practice good hygiene.

  • Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is best, especially if they are visibly dirty. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is a suitable alternative.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

As testing of COVID-19 becomes more widely available, we may begin to see new cases in the coming days and weeks. CPDH along with state and federal authorities may issue new guidance, and we will keep you updated on changes and its impact on YarnCon.

Finally, COVID-19 does not distinguish between race, nationality, or geographic borders.  Stigma and discrimination against the afflicted discourages early reporting of symptoms and further perpetuates community spread. 

For the most reliable information, please visit www.chicago.gov/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the CDPH Coronavirus hotline at 312-746-4835 or email coronavirus@chicago.gov  

We will post updates as the show approaches, and if any of the CDPH recommendations change.