GENEVA (AP) — The Geneva Motor Show was cancelled on Friday after the Swiss government announced an immediate ban on holding “public or private” events with more than 1,000 people, as a measure to try to stop the spread of the new Coronavirus. The measure will be in force at least until 15 March, the authorities reported. In addition to the Motor Show, the events affected include the Baselworld watch and jewellery fair, the traditional Carnival procession in Basel, a ski marathon and several football matches. The Swiss national hockey league said all games this weekend will be played behind closed doors, with no fan presence.
It was not immediately clear whether the ban would also affect meetings at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva. The global body has a special extraterritorial status that can exempt it from national health measures. As for the Geneva International Auto Show, this is a well-known event to be held between 5 and 15 March and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Olivier Rihs, director of the group that organizes the fair, GIMS Swiss, confirmed the cancellation to The Associated Press. “We are aware that this measure will have a significant impact on public life,” explained Swiss Interior Minister Alain Berset.” However, the measure is expected to provide effective protection for people in Switzerland and public health,” he added. “It should prevent or delay the spread of the disease in Switzerland, thus reducing its momentum.” For events with fewer than 1,000 attendees, organizers “must conduct a risk assessment in conjunction with the relevant cantonal (state) authorities to decide whether or not to hold,” the government said. Switzerland reported 15 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus.
