As the death toll due to the coronavirus epidemic in China rises to 170, and confirmed cases reach 7,711, with fears the virus has spear to at least 15 outer countries, a number of sporting events in the country have been cancelled including the World Indoor Athletics due to take place in Shanghai in March.

As more and more countries urge nationals not to travel to China, and some airlines having already suspended flights, the FIA has this morning issued a brief statement.

"Following the coronavirus epidemic that broke out in China at the beginning of the year, the FIA is closely monitoring the evolving situation with relevant authorities and its Member Clubs, under the direction of FIA Medical Commission President, Professor Gerard Saillant.

"The FIA will evaluate the calendar of its forthcoming races and, if necessary, take any action required to help protect the global motor sport community and the wider public."

Other than the Chinese Grand Prix, which takes place on 17 - 19 April, there is the Formula E race at Sanya in March.

Today's statement from the FIA comes ahead of a meeting of the World Health Organisation (WHO) today which is due to decide whether the virus constitutes a global health emergency.

"In the last few days the progress of the virus, especially in some countries, especially human-to-human transmission, worries us," said WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday.

Citing cases in Germany, Vietnam and Japan, where people are believed to have caught the virus from others who have travelled to China, he added: "Although the numbers outside China are still relatively small, they hold the potential for a much larger outbreak."

LATEST NEWS

more news >

LATEST IMAGES

galleries >

Click to go to the main galleries section

READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Aicha, 04/02/2020 2:20 (moderated by an Adminstrator, 04/02/2020 7:51)

"This comment was removed by an administrator as it was judged to have broken the site's posting rules and etiquette."

Rating: Neutral (0)

2. Posted by Anthony, 30/01/2020 12:21

"There is plenty of time for developments (positive or negative) before any decision needs to be made. At the end of the day, if government advice at that stage is “essential travel only” the race will be cancelled but if the advice is that it is OK to travel then the race will go ahead. The FIA will simply follow government advice. "

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

3. Posted by imejl99, 30/01/2020 11:51

"I am afraid it won`t be up to FIA to decide, countries will...
"

Rating: Positive (2) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

Coronavirus: FIA ready to take action

LATEST NEWS

RELATED ARTICLES

LATEST IMAGES

POST A COMMENT

Post your comment

READERS COMMENTS

Share this page