Mayor Sylvester Turner released the following statement today following the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s announcement that it would hold a 2021 event.
“I have spoken with Rodeo officials, and I thank them for working closely with the City of Houston and Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Persse about moving the show to May 2021. While no one can predict the future of the coronavirus pandemic, I am optimistic that the multiple vaccines that are being developed and manufactured in the United States will improve our chances of returning to normal activities by the middle of next year.
“Houston and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are synonymous. It is hard to imagine one without the other. People worldwide come to our City to compete for grand prizes and enjoy the carnival and concerts.
“When the Rodeo was canceled earlier this year because of COVID-19 community spread, the decision was based on data and science. As we move forward, the City of Houston will continue to monitor the positivity rate, hospital capacity, wastewater virus load, and reproduction rate. If we work together, we can create a safe environment for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
“I encourage people to do their part to blunt the virus’s progression; that means wearing a mask, social distancing, washing your hands frequently, and getting tested. I also encourage everyone to get vaccinated when the opportunity becomes available.”