Asian countries have been canceling crowd-gathering events that are due a few weeks later as fears of the novel coronavirus spreading heighten. Among the countries that have canceled gatherings are the Philippines, South Korea, and China.
South Korea Entertainment Industry Puts Off Film Awards
Event organizers of the 56th Daejong Film Awards announced on Tuesday that they have canceled the ceremonies due to "increased concern surrounding the novel coronavirus," Soompi reported.
Aside from the anticipated February 25 awarding event's cancelation, several concerts have also been canceled over the past days, including the February 8 and 9 concert of AKMU in Changwon.
The February 22 fan meeting of TOP Media's Kim Woo Seok was also suspended after the venue for his supposed event canceled all events for the entire month.
Business Events in Singapore Canceled
Over in Singapore, a big business event was canceled Wednesday as corporate leaders continue to discuss ways through which they can help contain the novel coronavirus.
According to the Straits Times, the Singapore Exchange (SGX) Active Traders Fair that was supposed to take place on February 22 was suspended amid growing coronavirus fears. Renowned economist Song Seng Wun was supposed to be a panel member during the annual event.
On Tuesday, the Reit Association of Singapore (Reitas) also announced that it will cancel all events for the month of February as the city-state encouraged suspension of activities that would draw large groups of people.
Another event, this time focused on health, was moved to July 10 and 11. CAREhab 2020 was initially scheduled for February 14 and 15, with organizers expecting up to 1,500 industry professionals.
Philippines Cancels Multiple Events Following 1st Coronavirus Death
The Philippines reported its first death last week, and the first death outside China due to the Wuhan coronavirus. Following this report, multiple have been canceled.
According to CNN Philippines, multiple screenings and meet-and-greet events were canceled amid the government's efforts to stop the virus from spreading further.
Local star Noah Centineo's meet-and-greet scheduled for February 16 has been canceled, as well as the much-anticipated event of K-pop group EXO on February 22. The said event is in partnership with Journey to the Nature Republic.
The Philippine National Bookstore's February 15 and 16 event featuring book signings with international author Mitch Albom was also canceled. It remains to be seen whether the signing will be rescheduled to a later date.
Popular Philippine Festival Canceled
One of the most visited cities in the Philippines, Baguio City, announced last week that all crowd-attracting activities under its Panagbenga Festival will be canceled due to increasing fears around the novel coronavirus.
Local outlet ABS-CBN News reported that the announcement from Mayor Benjamin Magalong came one day after the Philippines reported its first coronavirus death.
Magalong explained at a press briefing that while the opening parade for the festival has been canceled, the city government has yet to make a decision on the potential cancelation of the closing events such as the Grand Float Parade and the Grand Street Parade.
The Baguio Panagbenga Festival has attracted over a million tourists over the past three years. It is unclear which smaller events will push through in the city this month.
China Cancels Big Sports Meets
Over in China, sports events that usually draw people around the country have been canceled, including the World Athletics Indoor Championships initially due for March 13-15.
Hangzhou's Asian Athletics Association indoor championships scheduled for February 12-13 have also been suspended, as well as a supposed March 21 Formula motor race for electric models.
Other sports events have either been rescheduled for later dates or have been arranged for different locations such as the Olympic qualifying tournament that will see the following countries facing off: Taiwan, Australia, China, and Thailand.
