Sports in Britain grind to a halt amid Coronavirus outbreak

Sports in Britain virtually ground to a halt on Monday as government ramped up its efforts to tackle coronavirus by vising against mass garings in country.

iconic Grand National Steeplechase, Oxford vs. Cambridge university boat race, all levels of rugby union and rugby league, and lower levels in soccer were among remaining events or competitions to be canceled or suspended amid pandemic.

Elite soccer, such as widely watched English Premier League, h alrey been suspended last week after individuals at clubs tested positive for virus.

But Monday marked a significant shift in government's position, with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson vising public to take extra steps in face of virus. Britain has h 1,543 confirmed cases and 53 virus-related deaths.

For most people, new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, and most recover. worldwide outbreak has sickened over 179,000 people and left more than 7,000 de. Over 78,000 people have recovered, most of m in China.

While ackwledging risk of transmission of disease was relatively low at sporting events, Johnson said: “But obviously, logically, as we vise against unnecessary social contact of all kinds, it's right that we should extend that vice to mass garings as well.

“We will longer be supporting mass garings with emergency workers in way that we rmally do. So mass garings, we are w moving emphatically away from.”

It meant soccer teams were opting to close training complexes, with Premier League club Crystal Palace among those urging players to stay home and “undertake personalized training plans.”

As it stands, a soker tournament — Tour Championship, being held in rth Wales -- and mir horse-racing meetings are only sporting events that will continue. y will be held without fans.

Grand National -- horse race Britons bet on more than any or -- was one of last events to fall, with organizers giving up on plans to st April 4 race without fans because of “its importance to racing industry and beyond.”

“But following new government measures confirmed this evening to help to tackle coronavirus outbreak, this is t a viable option,” Jockey Club said.

“I kw this is hugely disappointing news,” said Sally Dudgeon, Jockey Club's senior steward, "for many people who work in our sport and many millions who were looking forward to this year's event, but very sly se are exceptional times and this is responsible thing to do."

In vising all grassroots soccer to be postponed, Football Association said it was taking government vice as it h done “throughout this period.”

Rugby Football Union said it was suspending all levels of rugby in England from Tuesday until April 14 “subject to continued review.”

“Where possible, players at all levels are encourd to maintain ir own personal fitness and keep active during this time," RFU said, "while following government guidelines about safe distance and safe exercise environments."