This article was originally written for TheNintendoVillage.com, a website I founded and ran from 2018 to 2021.

Coronavirus is causing havoc all over the world at the minute, and is definitely having an impact on the game’s industry as we head into event season. GDC has already been ‘indefinitely postponed’ and E3 officials are keeping a close eye on the situation as they continue their preparations too.

Unfortunately, the 2020 Pokémon Europe International Championships has now fallen victim to the outbreak, with organisers cancelling the event over concerns for player safety. Here’s the full statement:

“The safety and well-being of our community, both competitors and organizers, is our top priority. While we prefer never to see an event get postponed or canceled, out of an abundance of caution and pursuant to the current recommendations set forth by public health officials, we have canceled the 2020 Pokémon Europe International Championships.
We want to thank the Play! Pokémon community for its continued interest in our competitive events and appreciate everyone's support and understanding during these unique circumstances. Please visit https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/ or follow @PlayPokemon on Twitter for updates and more information on Play! Pokémon events. If you have additional questions, please contact Pokémon Customer Service.”

The Pokémon Company will also be providing hand sanitiser at other events, and has also removed the need to shake hands before and after matches to help stop the spread of the virus.

You can check out the full statement as well as other details regarding Play! Pokémon events on the official website.

Source: Pokemon