The Swiss government has suspended all events in the country that are for more than 1,000 participants.
The precaution will continue until 15 March as an attempt to prevent the coronavirus spreading.
Following the announcement, The 2020 Geneva Motor Show announced that it was to be cancelled. The decision also puts the UN Human Rights Council, currently in session, in doubt. “We regret this situation, but the health of all participants is our and our exhibitors’ top priority. This is a case of force majeure and a tremendous loss for the manufacturers who have invested massively in their presence in Geneva. However, we are convinced that they will understand this decision,” said Geneva Motor Show Chairman Maurice Turrettini.
The Swiss government statement read: “Large-scale events involving more than 1,000 people are to be banned. The ban comes into immediate effect and will apply at least until 15 March.” Nine confirmed cases of the virus have been confirmed in the country.
“In the case of public or private events at which fewer than 1,000 people would gather, event organisers must carry out a risk assessment in conjunction with the competent cantonal authorities to decide whether or not the event can be held,” the statement added.
The government said it was “aware that this measure will have a significant impact on public life in Switzerland” but added that “it should prevent or delay the spread of the disease, thus reducing its momentum”.
The federal government said that the scale of the outbreak allowed it to take special powers to order measures that are normally the responsibility of Switzerland’s cantons. “The cantons are responsible for enforcing the ban,” the statement said.
Health Minister Alain Berset said that similar measures had proved “effective” in other countries: “We have to expect an increase in cases in the next few days”.
Coronavirus or Covid-19 has already taken a toll on major events in Switzerland and in many other countries.
Organisers of Geneva’s international expo of fine watches cancelled the April event. Earlier this month, Swatch cancelled its Zurich tradeshow over coronavirus fears and the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva has been postponed until September.
