Concerns over the coronavirus may have cooled in China, where the rate of reported cases each day has continued to slow, but elsewhere, the virus is continuing to elicit anxiety—South Korea, Italy, and Iran are among the latest countries to experience significant outbreaks. Ahead of its fair scheduled to open in New York next week, the Armory Show has released a statement regarding the virus’s potential impact on its forthcoming edition, which is set to continue as planned.
In its statement, the Armory Show, which runs March 4–8, said, “At a time of great global concern and uncertainty, the Armory Show is closely monitoring the evolving situation with the coronavirus. Our hearts go out to those directly affected. As the safety of our exhibitors and guests remains a top priority, we will continue to consult with experts in the field and pursue best practices in safeguarding The Armory Show 2020 edition.”
On Tuesday afternoon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that communities in the United States should prepare for the likely spread of the virus in the country, though the C.D.C. did not give a specific timeline as to when that might happen, according to a report in the New York Times. In a press briefing, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, the director of the C.D.C.’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said, “It’s not so much a question of if this will happen in this country any more but a question of when this will happen.”
In the statement, the Armory Show noted that businesses in New York have yet to close as the virus spreads, adding that “risk remains low across the United States, including New York City.” As such, the fair said it “looks forward to opening its doors next week for its 26th edition” and that it will continue to monitor any updates from the C.D.C. and the World Health Organization.
A representative for the ADAA Art Show, which is set to open to with a gala preview for invited guests on Wednesday, February 26, declined to comment.
ARTnews has reached out to the organizers of the other art fairs—the Independent Art Fair and Spring/Break—scheduled to take place in New York next week.