The Corona Open Gold Coast surfing event has been cancelled by the WSL amid coronavirus fears

THE ironically named Corona Open Gold Coast surfing event this month has been cancelled due to escalating coronavirus fears.

THE ironically named Corona Open Gold Coast surfing event this month has been cancelled due to escalating coronavirus fears.

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Set to kick off the 2020 Championships Tour, the event has been cancelled alongside the Red Bull Airborne Pro that was also slated for the Gold Coast in late March.

The Papara Pro Open Tahiti has also be cancelled while 10 additional events have been postponed.

Gold Coast surfer Isabella Nichols (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

A statement released by the WSL said that safety of athletes, fans and staff was paramount as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to grip the globe.

“Due to the rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19 and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our athletes, fans, and staff, the World Surf League (WSL) has made the decision to cancel all events yet to commence at all tour levels, worldwide for the remainder of March, including the opening event of the 2020 Championship Tour (CT) on the Gold Coast in Australia,” the statement read.

“This decision is based on guidance from the World Health Organisation, who has declared that COVID-19 is now a global pandemic, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, governments and local public health authorities where our events are being held.”

WSL CEO Erik Logan believes it is the right decision to cancel and postpone upcoming events.

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“Coronavirus is having massive consequences for sporting events and gatherings of all kinds around the world, and we are no different,” he said.

“We did not take this decision lightly as we are aware that it has a significant impact on the surfing community. However, the health and safety of our athletes, fans, and staff are paramount.

“From the standpoint of social responsibility, we also take very seriously the role our events might play in accelerating the spread of the virus.

“We’ve been in close contact with our athletes and we feel strongly that this is the right thing to do right now.”

The WSL is also closely monitoring and evaluating the status of upcoming events, including our next CT event at Bells Beach in Victoria, Australia.