Coronavirus: 'Far too early' to cancel the London Marathon, says Health Secretary

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said it is far too early to cancel or restrict participation in the London Marathon as part of the Government's strategy to contain coronavirus.

Organisers of the event have said they are closely monitoring the situation and being guided by government advice with the race just eight weeks away.

It comes as many events in Asia and Europe have been reduced or abandoned in recent weeks as nations try and halt the spread of the disease.

Italy has suspended sporting fixtures in regions hit by the virus until March 8, while France has banned indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people.

This weekend, the Tokyo marathon took place on deserted streets with only elite runners and wheelchair athletes permitted to participate and the Paris half-marathon was cancelled completely.

Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast on Tuesday that at the moment the British government was not recommending cancelling mass events.

Asked about the possible cancellation of the Virgin Money London Marathon next month, Mr Hancock said: "It's far too early to be able to tell in that instance."

He added: "What we can say for sure is that right now, we do not recommend the cancelling of mass events, and schools as well should not be closing unless there is both a positive case and the school has had the advice to close from Public Health England.

"Right now, that is what people should be doing and otherwise going about their normal daily life because we want to minimise the level of disruption, subject to doing the things we need to do to keep people safe."