translated from Spanish: Formula One decides to cancel China Grand Prix in the face of COVID-19 outbreak

Formula One organizers postponed on Wednesday the Chinese Grand Prix to be held in Shanghai in April, becoming the latest sporting event affected by the rapidly spreading viral infection in the country, AP reported More than 1,100 people have died in China from the virus, which has been dubbed COVID-19 by the World Health Organization.The China Grand Prix was one of 22 races on the F1 calendar for 2020 opened in Melbourne, Australia next month. The decision to postpone the race was made following a request from the Shanghai promoter to “ensure the health and safety of traveling staff, championship participants and fans,” F1 said in a statement. Meanwhile, F1’s governing body, the FIA, Chinese organizers and teams will continue to discuss whether the race can be reorganized this year.” All parties will take the right amount of time to study the feasibility of possible alternative dates for the Grand Prix later in the year if the situation improves,” F1 said. Other cancellations or forced deferrals for viruses range from soccer and Olympic qualifying events to golf tournaments. The Tokyo Olympics open on July 24 and organizers have repeatedly said the games will not be cancelled or postponed. However, many tournaments that qualify for JJ.OOs. are already off-the-clock, while Chinese athletes are not free to travel outside the country to participate.

Original source in Spanish