MotoGP’s race in Texas is in serious jeopardy after authorities declared a coronavirus state of emergency, and cancelled a big music and film festival.
Circuit of Americas is due to host the next - and opening as the Thai race has been postponed - round of MotoGP in early April but Austin mayor Steve Adler has declared a ‘local state of disaster’ regarding the threat of coronavirus.
This means the city will now suspend any events with 2,500 or more people in attendance, unless event organisers are able to prove to the Public Health Department that appropriate measures will be in place to contain the spread of contagious diseases.
Adler, who is backed by Judge Sarah Eckhardt of Travis County, also confirmed the cancellation of Austin’s marquee music and film festival South by Southwest, scheduled for March 13.
So far, here are 17 confirmed coronavirus cases in Texas, but none specifically in Austin.
Mayor Adler makes his statement