The Egyptian Squash Federation announced on Tuesday the freezing of all domestic activities due to fears over the fast-spreading coronavirus. The decision came after Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly's remarks on Monday regarding the virus' outbreak where he announced the cancelling of large public events. The Squash Federation said in a statement on Facebook that it is suspending activities "given the current situation regarding the coronavirus and the eagerness of the Egyptian Squash Federation's board of directors to ensure the safety of players and their companions [parents and coaches] and the prime minister's decision to suspend activities with large gatherings." "The board of directors decided to stop the local activities [tournaments and the Egyptian league] and to not hold any activities including the Heliopolis and Tanta championships until another decision is issued by the Egyptian Squash Federation," the statement added. The Squash Federation was supposed to hold two tournaments this month: the Tanta championship from 12 to 17 March and the Heliopolis championship from 12 to 18 March. This is the first decision by an Egyptian sports federation to suspend their activities due to fears over the new epidemic. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
