Indian Wells Suspended for Fear of Coronavirus Spread

Any user who has purchased tickets directly to the tournament can request a refund for the 2020 tournament, or a credit for the 2021 tournament

The Indian Wells tennis tournament, the first Masters 1,000 of the season, which began this week in the US, was suspended for fear of contagion with coronavirus of participants and attendees, the organizers reported this Sunday.

Tournament director Tommy Haas said in a statement released on Twitter by the BNP Paribas Open 2020 that they are “very disappointed that the tournament does not take place, but the health and safety of the local community, fans, players, volunteers, sponsors, employees, vendors and everyone involved in the event is of utmost importance. “

He added that “we are prepared to hold the tournament on another date and we'll explore options. “

The organization publishes a note from the Riverside County Department of Public Health, in California (USA), stating that a public health emergency for the Coachella Valley after a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19).

“As a result, the BNP Paribas Open 2020 will not take place at this time due to concerns about the coronavirus and the safety of event participants and attendees. This is following the instructions of medical professionals, the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) and the State of California, “reports the organization.

There's a “too great a risk at this time” for public health of the Riverside County area holding a large meeting of this size, “according to Dr. David Agus, professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California, the statement said.

“It is not in the public interest of the fans, players and neighboring areas that this tournament continues. We all have to unite to protect the community of the coronavirus outbreak, “he insists.

The organization also informs that any user who has bought tickets directly in the tournament can request a refund for the 2020 tournament, or a credit for the 2021 tournament.