This decision is based on guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), which declared that Covid-19 is now a global pandemic, as well as governments and local public health authorities where events are scheduled to take place.

"The new coronavirus [Covid-19] is having enormous consequences for sporting events and meetings of all kinds around the world, and we are no different," WSL Chief Executive Erik Logan said in a statement.

Of the 13 events that make up the WSL calendar for the period in question, three were cancelled and 10 were postponed to dates to be designated, among which the Portuguese stages of Caparica Surf Fest Pro, from 30 March to 4 April, and the Longboard Pro Espinho, from 28 March to 5 April.

“We didn't take this decision lightly, as we know it has a significant impact on the world surfing community, however, the health and safety of our athletes, supporters and employees is essential”, says Erik Logan.

From the point of view of social responsibility, Logan warns of the role that events can play in accelerating the spread of the virus and says that WSL is in close contact with athletes and feels that "this is the right thing to do".

“The fluid nature of this situation is forcing us to evaluate things day by day and even hourly. As this continues to evolve, we will also continue to adapt and try to make decisions every day," said Erik Logan.

Based on the information available at this time, WSL, which has implemented a security protocol for the tests that are taking place, is not cancelling any additional events beyond that period (March).