Boston Flower Show opened this morning even though all the volunteer organizers are staying home

At 11:45 p.m. yesterday, Mass. Horticultural Society President James Hearsum e-mailed supporters that society staffers and "an army of loyal volunteers" will not be attending the Boston Flower and Garden Show, scheduled to open this morning, because of Covid-19 concerns.

And yet, he wrote, the show at the World Trade Center is still on - only it will be run entirely by the commercial concern with which the society had been working.

After a full year of preparation by our dedicated staff team and an army of loyal volunteers, we completed the build and judging for the 2020 Boston Flower and Garden Show earlier today. It is beautiful, meaningful, and we are so proud of what we have all accomplished.

However, when the Flower Show opens tomorrow at 10 a.m. our staff and volunteers will not be attending.

We have made this heart-breaking decision to protect the health and well-being of our staff, volunteers and community. I hope you understand.

The show, managed and run by The Paragon Group, is going ahead. Their statement can be read at https://bostonflowershow.com/.

You should make an individual decision regarding attendance in light of your personal risk factors and the guidance provided by competent public health authorities.

In its statement, the Paragon Group writes:

We want to remind everyone that the recent state of emergency that has been declared by Governor Baker is to ensure that funds are available for emergency response if it becomes necessary. We have not been told that moving forward with the Boston Flower Show is unsafe. We will still be providing hand sanitizing stations throughout the facility, continuous cleaning and disinfecting of restrooms and shared public spaces, and an EMT who is versed in the appropriate handling of health-related issues. The safety of our customers and exhibitors is still our top priority.