GENEVA: One of the biggest automobile events in the world, Geneva Motor Show has come under the wrath of the life-threatening Coronavirus epidemic. The epidemic has begun to spread across the continent of Europe hence, the event had to be cancelled.
The trade fair was to begin from Monday, has been cancelled as the government of Switzerland passed strict instructions regarding large gathering getting banned. The organisers of the show released a statement yesterday i.e. 28 February 2020, informing about the same. The extremely contagious virus has already reached Switzerland and over 100 affected cases have been reported from the neighbouring country of Italy. Reports, prior to the official statement by the organisers were made by an esteemed news website.
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The statement read, "The financial consequences for all those involved in the event are significant and will need to be assessed over the coming weeks." It further said that a refund will be made to the exhibitors and stands will get dismantled.
This is what the announcement on the official website says:
The prestigious motor event was first held in the year 1905, and mainly features high-end luxury and sports cars. It gets hosted at the Palexpo convention centre. Before the cancellation, the organisers were all set to take extreme measures in terms of hygiene and health. Screenings were to be held to detect symptoms of the outbreak.
The coronavirus originated from China and has already spread across 52 countries. In Europe, Italy has the most cases and is a neighbour to Switzerland. Ironically, Geneva is the place where the World Health Organisation headquarter is situated.
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Manufacturers like Dailmer AG and Audi AG from Germany were also on board with the decision to cancel the motor show for the greater good.
Other events which were to be held in the country like Watches & Wonders, an event to celebrate watch-making excellence has also been cancelled, along with Baselworld Expo, which is Geneva Motor Show's top-most competition.