Christchurch, New Zealand
Reuters
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks during a news conference prior to the anniversary of the mosque attacks that took place the prior year in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 13th March. PICTURE: Reuters/Martin Hunter
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.
