Geneva Motor Show falls victim to the coronavirus

The Geneva Motor Show has been cancelled over fears that a large scale event could aid the spread of the coronavirus.

Officials of the Geneva Motor Show had said on Thursday that the event would definitely be going ahead, but new government restrictions have changed the situation.

A statement from the Swiss government read, "The Federal Council's top priority is to protect the population. It is responding to the latest developments in the coronavirus epidemic and has categorised the situation in Switzerland as ‘special' in terms of the Epidemics Act.

"This enables the Federal Council, in consultation with the cantons, to order measures that are normally the responsibility of the cantons."

#GIMS is cancelled. Officially #genevamotorshow pic.twitter.com/ZecKyY0zxj

— Simon Drake (@realdrakester) February 28, 2020

ABB Formula E had been due to officially unveil the Gen 2 Evo car on Tuesday morning at the show and a further press conference with championship boss Alejandro Agag and Formula One CEO Chase Carey also scheduled.

The cancellation is the most recent in a series of high-profile sporting cancellations after the Sanya ePrix, Chinese Grand Prix, the World Indoor Athletics championships and numerous football and rugby fixtures.

Speculation remains over the viability of the Australian, Bahrain and Vietnamese Grand Prix that are scheduled to open the Formula One season.

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