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Switzerland Bans Large Events to Stem Coronavirus

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - The Swiss government is taking the unprecedented step of
   banning all public events that have more than 1,000 people in response
   to a growing number of cases of coronavirus in the country.

   The latest number of reported cases of coronavirus infections in
   Switzerland is 19. An estimated 100 people are in quarantine.

   The ban, expected to extend until at least mid-March, has interrupted a
   number of events, but Swiss authorities say the government's top
   priority is to protect the population.

   The ban comes in the middle of carnival season, which draws thousands
   of merrymakers to Swiss towns and villages. One of the biggest
   casualties isthe Geneva International Motor Show, which was scheduled
   to run March 5 to 15, and attracts about 500,000 visitors every year.

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