With the coronavirus cases spreading fast in the US, authorities in the Austin city of Texas have cancelled a major film and music festival to contain the spread of the deadly disease that has claimed 14 lives and infected at least 299 people.
A major film, music and technology event, 'South by Southwest' draws tens of thousands of visitors from around the world every year.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler in a press conference on Friday said he was declaring a "local disaster in the city" and issuing an order forcing the event's cancellation.
South by Southwest's organizers in a statement said they are "devastated" that the event won't be held for the first time in 34 years but said they "respect the City of Austin's decision."
Austin public health officials notified earlier that "right now there's no evidence that closing South by Southwest or other activities is going to make this community safer," but South by Southwest's organizers said the "situation evolved rapidly."
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