Official: 2020 Geneva Motor Show Canceled Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

[BlueMTexpat]

Source: motor1

"The 90th edition of the GIMS, which was supposed to welcome the media from next Monday and the general public from 5 to 15 March 2020, will now finally not take place. This is an injonction decision of the Federal Council of 28 February 2020 that no events with more than 1,000 people are allowed to take place until 15 March 2020. The decision falls 3 days before the opening of the exhibition to the media.

The organizers accept this decision: "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 Maurice Turrettini, Chairman of the Foundation Board. We would like to warmly thank all those involved in the organisation of the 2020 edition of GIMS.

A few days before the opening of the event, the construction of the stands was very nearly complete. A week ago, during the press conferences announcing the 2020 edition, there was nothing to suggest that such a measure was necessary. The situation changed with the appearance of the first confirmed coronavirus diseases in Switzerland and the injonction of the Federal Council on 28.02.2020. The event is cancelled due to this decision.

In the meantime, the dismantling of the event will now have to be organised. The financial consequences for all those involved in the event are significant and will need to be assessed over the coming weeks. One thing is certain: tickets already purchased for the event will be refunded. The organisers will communicate about this as soon as possible, via their website."

Read more: https://www.motor1.com/news/401241/2020-geneva-motor-show-canceled/

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THIS is a REALLY BIG DEAL around here!

[Maxheader]

1. Good morning americu..

What is that, cbs?..Anyway had a medical type expert talking about this virus..And as we've all heard its not "if" but when and where..He echoed that, but what I found interesting was he said that the current 1% fatality rate..something in that vicinity..was small as compared to other outbreaks...He suggested everyone be aware of certain symptoms..cold symptoms..doesn't suggest masks unless you've symptoms yourself..so your cough helps contain...

He kept talking about a whole new lifestyle for the country..when necessary....

[DownriverDem]

2. Question

We have a trip planned to Italy in June for a wedding. Do you think we will be able to go? We don't want to get stuck there.

[BlueMTexpat]

8. Here is some information about airline change

and refund policies. https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-change-cancel-travel-refund-2020-2?r=US&IR=T#delta-became-the-first-us-airline-to-expand-travel-waivers-and-cancellations-beyond-china-1

Northern Italy is one region where several airlines have cancelled flights already. As things develop, flights will likely be cancelled elsewhere. It's a good bet that the whole country will be affected sooner rather than later.

But right now, authorities are basically looking more short-term than June. For example, the current ban in Switzerland on gatherings of more than 1000 people is only in effect until March 15. If things really get out of control or it is considered prudent to extend the ban, it WILL be extended. But then again, if things get to a point of control, it's possible that events scheduled for June could go ahead.

I've got a trip planned to Barcelona in less than two weeks. They've confirmed three cases there so far and one major conference scheduled there for March was cancelled earlier this month.

I'm waiting to see how things develop over the next week. As you note, it's one thing to get to one's destination. But it's another to be quarantined there.

[LittleGirl]

3. They have cancelled Fasnaucht

in Basel too! Huge deal.

BaselWorld is postponed from April to January 2021.

[musette_sf]

5. saw the Fasnacht cancellation this morning

[BlueMTexpat]

9. Lots of smaller conferences and events

have been cancelled as well.

I understand that at least some Swiss boarding schools have cancelled or are considering cancelling the upcoming Spring break. The idea is that the students will get out earlier in the summer.

[LittleGirl]

10. Yes, I'm afraid

they are doing the right thing. This virus is serious business.

[BlueMTexpat]

11. I'm really sorry about

the Fasnacht and seasonal festivities like it.

As you say, it's the right thing to do.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed about the Festichoc (28-29 March). https://www.geneve.com/en-us/events/festichoc-2020-chocolate-festival/

But what will be will be.

[ancianita]

4. Coronavirus is nature's way of reminding the smug powers there that they're just Earthlings.

[Baclava]

6. Safe to say the Summer Olympics in Japan will be cancelled?

[BlueMTexpat]

7. I understand that they

are seriously talking about this.

[Thyla]

12. Big Bonsai event still going ahead in Belgium

This weekend though, I know a few people headed there so hopefully it should be ok.

[Sherman A1]

13. WOW