Naperville delays State of City speech due to coronavirus

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce has postponed the annual State of the City address until Monday, May 18 in light of concerns about the new coronavirus.

The speech, to be given by Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico, had been set for Monday, March 16. But the chamber, in partnership with the city, decided to postpone the event "out of an abundance of caution."

"We want our members to feel safe and comfortable when attending chamber events and have decided, in the interest of public health, to encourage and practice the CDC's recommendation of social distancing," Kaylin Risvold, the chamber's president and CEO, said in a statement sent to members Wednesday afternoon.

Postponing Chirico's fifth State of the City address, which is expected to draw about 500 people, will avoid a large gathering. Public health officials say limiting exposure to large gatherings is one way to help lessen the spread of the new coronavirus.

The chamber said it will issue refunds to anyone who bought a ticket to the address but is unable to attend on May 18. For refunds, email chamber@naperville.net.