Geneva Motor Show canceled due to fear of coronavirus

The Geneva Motor Show, which was slated to start next week, has been canceled due to fears of the coronavirus.

The fair in Geneva is one of the most respected in the world and all brands that play an important role in the world of motoring work throughout the year on projects to present them in Switzerland.

Switzerland's federal office for public health said gatherings of more than 1.000 people are banned until at least March 15 in an effort to limit the spread of the virus.

"We regret this situation, but the health of all participants is our priority and for our exhibitors," the organizers stated.

This year's event was supposed to be open to the press on March 2. The public could attend from March 5 to 15.

Some car manufacturers have previously canceled their presence at the exhibition due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Toyota ( TM ), for example, said it was sending only senior executives and public relations staff responsible for Europe.

According to the organizers, around 220 exhibitors attend the annual car show, along with 10.000 journalists and approximately 660.000 visitors.

15 cases of coronavirus have been reported in Switzerland.

According to CNN, there are at least 650 infected in Italy, and 17 deaths have been recorded, while French officials have reported 38 cases and two deaths.