Cambridge half marathon races on despite coronavirus concerns
Around 15,000 runners turned out for the eighth Cambridge half-marathon on March 8.
The annual event drew a large crowd, despite the recent spread of coronavirus in the UK. The government has not encouraged the cancelling of large events, however, Cambridge half-marathon organisers took precautions against COVID-19 by deploying additional hand sanitiser stations around the site.
They monitored coronavirus advice set out by the UK government, NHS and World Health Organisation, but ultimately, were determined to press on as normal.
Following coronavirus guidance wasn't the only first for the Cambridge half-marathon. 2020 is the only year that the course has gone through two iconic University of Cambridge colleges – King’s College and Jesus College.
So far, most large events in the UK have taken place despite coronavirus worries. However, the London Book Fair (one of the UK's largest book events) has been called off due to the outbreak.
As of March 8, 23 people in the East of England had tested positive for coronavirus. There were 273 cases nationally and two UK patients who tested positive for COVID-19 have died.
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