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New Zealand Calls Off Christchurch Attack Commemoration Amid Coronavirus Fears

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern (Image: AP)

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern (Image: AP)

The event, to be held in Christchurch on Sunday, was expected to attract a large crowd, with many traveling from around New Zealand and from overseas.

  • Reuters
  • Last Updated: March 14, 2020, 11:26 AM IST
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Christchurch: New Zealand on Saturday called off a national remembrance service marking the one-year anniversary of the attack on Christchurch mosques due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.

The event, to be held in Christchurch on Sunday, was expected to attract a large crowd, with many traveling from around New Zealand and from overseas. “This is a pragmatic decision. We’re very saddened to cancel, but in remembering such a terrible tragedy, we shouldn’t create the risk of further harm being done," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement.

New Zealand confirmed its sixth case of COVID-19 on Saturday.

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