The pandemic causing major life and work changes throughout the world has caused the cancelation of the biennial convention of advocates and educators of Filipino American history.
Due to the ongoing concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19), the impact of travel restrictions and the need for social distancing, the 18th Biennial Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) Conference that was scheduled to take place July 15-18, 2020, in Waikiki, Hawaii, has been canceled with the unanimous approval by the FANHS Board of Trustees,
"We decided to make this extraordinary and heartbreaking decision in response to the direction by health authorities, government officials, and the World Health Organization (WHO) who have declared COVID-19 a pandemic," the group said in a statement released first on social media on Sunday.
"We are sorry the 2020 Conference had to be canceled, but we have a clear responsibility to act for the health and well-being of our FANHS members," the statement continued.
The group will go ahead and start planning for the 2022 FANHS Biennial National Conference is scheduled for its headquarters in Seattle, Washington, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of FANHS.
For those who had already registered and paid their fees, refunds will be issued by the host chapter in Hawaii.
Those who have already made hotel and flight reservations must contact the hotels and airlines separately to get refunds according to the individual policies of those businesses.
Check www.fanhs-national.org and follow FANHS National on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates. #FANHS2020.
The State of Hawaii is currently practicing the "stay-at-home" policies adopted many states to avoid spreading the coronavirus. That includes the cancellation of any events that might draw large gatherings such as the FANHS convention. Although the policies might end this Spring, the threat of the virus is still a major concern of health experts because there is not a vaccine and one is not expected for at least another year.
The State of Hawaii is currently practicing the "stay-at-home" policies adopted many states to avoid spreading the coronavirus. That includes the cancellation of any events that might draw large gatherings such as the FANHS convention. Although the policies might end this Spring, the threat of the virus is still a major concern of health experts because there is not a vaccine and one is not expected for at least another year.
"As a national community, we work to transform our history and a sense of pride in our identity," concludes the statement. "Our community strength will carry us forward through this difficult time as we collectively face the challenges of this global pandemic."
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