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SEOUL -- The International Skating Union (ISU) has officially delayed the 2020 ISU World Short Track Speed Skating Championships, which was scheduled to be held in the South Korean capital from March 13 to 15.

The decision was made in light of the COVID-19 situation in South Korea, in which the number of infected patients topped 7,800 as of Thursday midnight local time.

The Seoul city government closed the Mokdong Ice Rink in Seoul and ordered the cancelation of all planned events.

The ISU said in a statement that it will evaluate in cooperation with all stakeholders whether the 2020 championships could be held later in the year, but no earlier than mid-October.