Coronavirus: Expo 2020 Dubai to 'reassess and adjust' plans if required

Expo 2020 Dubai chiefs are to hold talks in the coming weeks in order to "reassess" and "adjust" plans for the global event in the wake of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement, organisers said the health and well-being of millions of expected visitors to the hotly-awaited extravaganza - which is due to get under way on October 20 and run until April 10 of next year - remained their top priority.

A virtual meeting will be held in the weeks to discuss strategies going forward, as the spread of the virus forces governments across the world to take precautionary measures.

The UAE has already greatly restricted travel, closed schools and universities as well as beaches, parks and swimming pools as part of string efforts to combat coronavirus.

"Alongside the government of the UAE, we are working hard to adapt to unfolding events surrounding the spread of Covid-19," the statement said.

"The health and well-being of everyone involved in Expo 2020 and everyone living in and visiting the UAE is our top priority and will not be compromised.

"In common with other organisations, Expo 2020 Dubai is closely monitoring ongoing developments and taking all sensible precautions to manage and mitigate the risk to all those involved in the Expo.

"We will be diligently following the latest guidance from the Dubai Health Authority, Ministry of Health and Prevention, and World Health Organisation, as we work closely with the International Bureau of Expositions in Paris and other relevant bodies as the situation around the world evolves.

"We will remain attentive and alert and will virtually reconvene the Expo 2020 Steering Committee in the coming weeks to reassess and adjust planned preparations, as changing circumstances require.

"We are confident that the collective strength and incredible resilience of the human spirit will enable us to navigate through these most difficult of times."