The Jamaican government is advising schools against attending the annual Penn Relays in Philadelphia.
The event, set for April 23-25, would see several Jamaican high schools teams taking part.
However, the fast-spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting international sports events around the globe. Several sporting events have been cancelled or postponed.
“Cabinet took a decision last evening (9 March) for the Ministry of Education to advise as it relates to the Penn Relays,” explained Jamaica’s Minister of Health & Wellness Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton.
He added, “schools by now should have been advised that the government is taking a position to not participate in the Penn Relays this year.”
Minister Tufton said this is so “because that travel and the location would involve levels of risk that we would like to discourage.”
Penn Relays organizers are uncertain if the event will be held this year because of the widespread outbreak of the coronavirus.
The release sent on Monday (9 March), said: “Penn Athletics has not cancelled any home events or enacted any spectator restrictions due to the current novel coronavirus concerns at this time. Travellers and visitors to campus are always encouraged to practice good hand hygiene to limit the spread of germs and illnesses.
“As conditions evolve, the University will continue to review, update, and publicize its travel and event policies. Should changes to the schedule be necessary, this story will be updated.
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