Coronavirus concerns cancel Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse

CTV National News: Italy announces lockdown Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, Italy has announced that the entire country will be locked down. Todd Battis has the latest.

WHITEHORSE — Coronavirus concerns have led to the cancellation of the Arctic Winter Games.

The games, which celebrate northern sports and culture from around the circumpolar world, were to begin March 16 in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Sign up for CTV News' weekly The COVID-19 Brief newsletter and get the latest info on the coronavirus sent to your inbox

The host group says it made the decision on the recommendation of Yukon's acting chief medical officer of health.

There are no current cases of the COVID-19 virus in Yukon and the risk of infection is considered low.

But the organizing committee decided that cancelling the games is the most responsible precautionary measure.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 7, 2020.