A statement on the Journal of Commerce website says that "following recent guidance from health officials" amid "the rapid growth in global cases of COVID-19" in particular on the west coast coupled with "increasing travel restrictions and other circumstances. .

The statement, which became visible in the 3 p.m. hour on Feb. 29, announced:

IHS Markit has an absolute commitment to the health and safety of our customers, partners and colleagues. Given the deteriorating situation regarding the spread of the COVID-19 disease, unfortunately it is necessary to cancel TPM20 scheduled for March 1-4, 2020.

This decision was made following recent guidance from health officials and in light of the rapid growth in global cases of COVID-19, in particular in the Western United States over the past 24 hours, as well as increasing travel restrictions and other circumstances.

This decision has been made with input from our customers and partners and we are very grateful for their support in what has been a very difficult decision.

We would like to thank you for your commitment to TPM20 and we will shortly be announcing relevant arrangements for refunds or re-arranging registrations and sponsorships to TPM21.

We look forward to seeing you at TPM21 at an event that our partners, sponsors and customers have come to expect.

COVID-19 is believed to have originated in Wuhan province, China, whose main city (Hubei) with a population of roughly 11 million people and is now quarantined from the rest of the country. The U.S. government currrently discourages travel to any part of China.

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Cancelation of the Long Beach event came less than six hours after a Saturday Feb. 29 White House prsss briefing -- carrued LIVE on LBREPORT.com, with ">on-demand VIDEO and coverage here -- at which President Donald Trump. VP Mike Pence, HHS Scretary Alex Azar and Dr. Anthony Fauci discussed the escalating situation at length,.

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President Trump said one U.S. west coast patient [in Washington state] had died (a woman in her 50's with underlying medical issues) and 22 individuals in the U.S. are currently ill. The President, HHS Secreyaru amd Dr/ Faico variously indicated that most persons who contract the virus may developm symptoms similar to a bad cold or the flu but are expected to recover and not lead to fatalities among otherwise health people. The President said vaccine manufactures will meet at the White House on Monday (March 2) and urged the public not to panic or over-react, saying the situation is being professionally handled.

HHS Secy Azar said what's taking place was anticipated, the risk to the average American remains low "but this can change rapidly." He said the administration has always said the U.S. would see more cases but "for vast majority of those who contract Coronavirus will experience mild to moderate symptoms" and treatent will be to remain at home the way they would treat a severe cold or the flu...although medically fragile individuals might require hospitalization.

VP Mike Pence announced restrictions on incoming travelers from some areas and advosories against travel to areas with current high levels of coronavirus cases.

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Dr. Fauci said the risk currently remains low for most Americans but acknowledged the situation is "evolving." He said "community spread" of the virus means persons became infected with no known direct link to an "index case" (an infection source or exposed person.)

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Two days earlier (Feb. 27), LB's Dept.of Health and Human Services announced that it "has monitored or is currently monitoring a total of nine Long Beach individuals at this time" [travelers who returned from mainland China]. The LB Health Dept. said its monitoring continues for 14 days after the individual's arrival [release text] "to ensure they do not develop symptoms of COVID-19. Those who are undergoing monitoring are required to avoid school, work, and are asked to stay at home for the duration of the two weeks. . No one undergoing active monitoring has developed symptoms."

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