Here are all the major events that have been cancelled due to coronavirus

As countries around the world step up to try to halt the spread of Covid-19 - the new coronavirus that has claimed the lives of over 4,700 - major events are being cancelled.

Whether it's games of football being played behind closed doors, music festival getting postponed, or gaming conferences being outright cancelled, here are some of the biggest casualties from the events world.

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Sport

In sport, perhaps the biggest news is that the NBA has suspended its season indefinitely after Rudy Gobert from Utah Jazz tested positively for the disease.

Closer to home, the biggest sporting events cancelled on UK shores remain the postponed Six Nations rugby games, and the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City

Formula One will be hosting the forthcoming Bahrain Grand Prix behind closed doors with no fans and attendance, and the Chinese Grand Prix - scheduled for April - has been postponed. There are calls for the Australian Grand Prix to go the same way.

Top tennis tournament the Miami Open, due to start on 25 March, has also been suspended, after top players like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic raised concerns.

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Music

The music world has been rocked by the virus too, with bands and artists cancelling shows and even entire tours over fears stemming from Covid-19.

Perhaps the biggest cancellation is that of Coachella's two weekends of music. The buzz-worthy festival will now take place later in the year.

K-pop superstars BTS were unable to kick off their Map of the Soul Tour in Seoul due to the global outbreak; the rest of the tour is scheduled to take place. For now...

Stormzy's had a hard time of it too, cancelling the Asia leg of his Heavy is the Head tour, as well as a gig lined-up for Zurich.

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Ageing rockers The Who are taking no chances either, postponing their March UK tour until later in the year. All tickets will be honoured.

The annual SXSW event in Texas - which is attended by the biggest names in music, tech, and film - has also been cancelled for the first time in its 33-year history.

Gaming

E3 - the world's biggest gaming convention which often sees major games companies come together to announce big new releases - has been cancelled. There are no plans to reschedule the event which has run since 1995, but many attendees say they will host online-only presentations instead.

The Game Developers' Conference (or 'GDC') has also been cancelled, after brands like Microsoft and Electronic Arts pulled out. It's thought the expo will be moved to the summer.

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Other

The world of literature has also been hit, with publishers, agents, and authors backing out of The London Book Fair.

The annual TED Conference in Vancouver will now either be held virtually or postponed until July; the organisation is polling delegates as to their preference.

Disney+'s European Press Launch in London has also been cancelled, with high-profile media attendees declining to take part.

Film release dates have also been affected, with Peter Rabbit 2 and the latest James Bond outing No Time To Die both putting back their release dates.

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Meanwhile, the Chinese release date of Disney's live-action reimagining of Mulan has also been put back, as has the country's release date for Sonic the Hedgehog.

CNN's Democratic Debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders planned for 15 March will also take place without an audience present.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

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As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But.similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Should I avoid public places?

Most people who feel well can continue to go to work, school and public places and should only stay at home and self isolate if advised by a medical professional or the coronavirus service.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

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Don’t go to your GP but instead call NHS 111 or look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.

When to call NHS 111

NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS

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