The spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to Bainbridge Island has prompted the postponement of several public events.

Bainbridge Beach Naturalists have postponed the potluck dinner that was planned for Saturday, March 14 at the Bainbridge Island Senior Center.

The upcoming dinner was the first in what’s planned to be an annual affair.

The group announced it was pushing back the potluck “due to possible health implications” just before 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

A new date for the potluck dinner has not yet been set.

Bainbridge Beach Naturalists is an organization that helps the public explore the island’s beaches and nearshore areas with trained naturalists. It also provides beach monitoring for organizations that include the Bainbridge Island Land Trust and the city of Bainbridge Island, according to the organization’s website.

Other cancelations have been announced on Bainbridge Island over the past few days due to the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Several were announced before the first positive test of COVID-19 was reported in Kitsap County on Sunday evening; the Kitsap Public Health District announced March 8 that a Bainbridge Island resident has tested positive for coronavirus.

Officials at Bainbridge Performing Arts said last Friday that all shows, classes and operations had been canceled until further notice, “in response to growing concerns around the COVID-19 risks posed by public gatherings.”

The postponements include the planned Friday, March 13 opening of BPA performance of the Broadway musical “Fun Home,” as well as the Saturday, March 7 EDGE Improv performance and current Theatre School classes.

Last week, officials at IslandWood also announced the cancelation of the annual Poetry in the Woods event due to concerns over novel coronavirus.

This year’s Poetry in the Woods was scheduled to feature renowned poet, author, and speaker David Whyte. IslandWood said the event, now in its eighth year, has been rescheduled for Nov. 6–8.

Earlier, Bainbridge Island Senior Center executive director Reed Price said the talent show that was scheduled for this month at the center has been postponed. The show is now planned for Saturday, May 16.

At the Bainbridge Public Library, Interim Branch Manager Courtney Childress said Monday that the library’s Read to a Dog programs have been cancelled by Therapy Dogs International until further notice.

Other activities were under review Monday, Childress added.

“We are looking through programs this morning,” she said.