Major Muslim Gathering in France Postponed Due to Coronavirus Concerns

"It is with emotion and sadness that we have resolved to postpone this essential event for hundreds of thousands of people who honor us with their faithful participation," says Musulmans France (ex-UOIF) in a statement.

"This exceptional and unprecedented decision is linked to the general concern we are experiencing in the face of a virus whose spread is favored by close human contact," the organization explains.

The French authorities have banned until further notice all gatherings "in confined spaces" of more than 5,000 people because of the coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic. To date, the country has recorded more than 900 cases of people infected with the coronavirus. In total, 16 people have died.