Switzerland cancels Geneva auto show, carnivals, concerts over Covid-19

The Swiss government on Friday said it was suspending all events in the country involving more than 1,000 participants until March 15 in a bid to stop new coronavirus contagion.

The Geneva International Motor Show, a major event on the auto industry calendar, has been cancelled after Switzerland banned large gatherings amid the new coronavirus epidemic, local authorities said on Friday.

The Government in a statemnt said, Hundreds and thousands of people typically attend the Geneva auto show.

Even for gatherings of fewer than 1,000 people “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 annual Geneva motor show, a major item on the global auto industry calendar, had been due to start on March 5 and organisers said that stands were nearly completed even though most of the cars had still not arrived.
The show usually premieres more than 100 new models and some 160 exhibitors had planned to attend this year.

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

Maurice Turrettini, Chairman of the Foundation Board

The ban will also affect the Swiss sporting world,The Swiss Football League said it was cancelling all football matches over the weekend and warned some would have to be held in empty stadiums at a later date. Switzerland's hockey league said games planned in the coming days would be held without the public and security guards would be posted outside stadiums to enforce the ban.