LONG BEACH, Calif. — Officials from the city of Long Beach have announced that all forms of social gatherings larger than 250 people will be banned through the month of April in response to the coronavirus threat, leading to the postponement of the Grand Prix of Long Beach.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, city officials revealed that Long Beach Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis had signed a declaration that prohibits all large-scale events in the city.
The declaration is effective immediately and will remain in effect through the end of April or until it is lifted by city officials. The Grand Prix of Long Beach, which was to feature the NTT IndyCar Series, was scheduled to take place April 17-19.
“We recognize that this decision affects tens of thousands of residents and visitors, and for some will create immense financial hardship,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. “But our top priority must be the health and well-being of our community and this is absolutely the right thing to do.”
The Grand Prix of Long Beach is one of more than 30 events that are being canceled as a result of the declaration. The Grand Prix of Long Beach has taken place for the last 45 years and is attended annually by more than 180,000 people.
This is the second NTT IndyCar Series race to be effected by coronavirus outbreak, with Sunday’s Grand Prix of St. Petersburg scheduled to go on as planned, but without fan participation.
While the race will not take place on its scheduled dates, there is a chance it may be rescheduled for later in the year.
“We are in conversation with the City of Long Beach, various sanctioning bodies and the Long Beach Convention Center to discuss the viability of rescheduling this event at a later time in the year,” read a statement from the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “If that is not possible, then we look forward to presenting the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 16-18, 2021.”