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Long Beach Halts Grand Prix
A shot from the 1990 Grand Prix on the streets of Long Beach (Ken Levine/Allsport/Getty Image)
Under orders from city officials, organizers of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Thursday canceled the 46th edition of the street race amid the growing fears of the Coronavirus.
Just earlier this week, Grand Prix Chief Executive Officer Jim Michaelian said he expected the event to take place with heightened precautions for spectators. But city health officials opted to expand on a state mandate to cancel or postpone events with 250 or more people.
The city order applies to large-scale events including conventions, festivals, parades and sporting events.
Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement:
“We recognize that this decision affects tens of thousands of residents and visitors, and for some will create immense financial hardship. But our top priority must be the health and well-being of our community and this is absolutely the right thing to do.”
READ MORE FROM OUR FRIENDS AT THE LONG BEACH POST:
- Long Beach cancels Grand Prix for now, along with other events in wake of coronavirus concerns (LB POST)
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:
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