UK: Events put off over coronavirus fears

By Karim El-Bar

LONDON (AA) – The coronavirus outbreak is beginning to affect cultural setting in the United Kingdom as a string of forthcoming events are either being cancelled or postponed.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.K. increased to 87 on Wednesday, an increase of 32 cases in a day.

Of the total cases, 80 are in England, three each in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and one in Wales.

Almost all patients had recently travelled to affected countries or contracted the virus from those who did, said Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty.

Globally, COVID-19 has infected more than 89,000 people and killed more than 3,100 of them.

As the virus spreads, major attractions and events that draw visitors are feeling the effects.

The London Book Fair, one of the largest literary events in the world, has been called off.

The fair, where thousands of authors and publishers and agents meet to strike book deals, was due to take place from 10-12 March.

Penguin Random House and HarperCollins were among several leading publishers to withdraw from the fair before its cancellation.

Reed Exhibitions, the event’s organizer, said: “We have been following U.K. government guidelines and working with the rolling advice from the public health authorities and other organizations, and so it is with reluctance that we have taken the decision not to go ahead with this year’s event.”

Similarly, the release of the new James Bond film has been postponed.

The producers said they had moved the release of No Time To Die from April to November after "careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace."

Disney has also cancelled a Thursday red carpet gala to launch its streaming service Disney+ in the UK.

Meanwhile, retailers have been hit by supply disruptions due to the outbreak.

A survey carried out by consultancy firm Retail Economics, which quizzed 30 retailers, found that 24% of U.K. retailers were affected. Only 7% of retailers said they had enough flexibility in their supply chains to be able to switch suppliers.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the government would change sick pay rules so that it would temporarily be available from the first day of sickness, rather than the fourth as is currently the case, in order to help people self-isolate if they need to.

As part of major public health campaign, authorities have urged people to wash their hands more often than usual.