The managers of the Mid-America Trucking Show, held each March in Louisville, Kentucky, announced they are cancelling this year’s show due to increasing concerns about Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

A statement posted on the show’s webpage on March 12, 2020 reads:

"It is with a heavy heart and deep regret that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 Mid-America Trucking Show scheduled for March 26-28 in Louisville, Kentucky.

"This is a decision we did not make lightly, but in consultation with our exhibitors, attendees, supporters, and partners, including Kentucky Venues, Louisville Tourism, Kentucky Governor’s Office, and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Families Services.

"In light of today’s extraordinary circumstances and with an abundance of caution, this decision has been made with the health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, employees, and show partners in mind.

"MATS has a proud tradition as the largest and most well-attended show in heavy-duty trucking. We will return stronger than ever in 2021 and will focus on an unforgettable 50th-anniversary event – March 25-27, 2021, in Louisville, KY."

The move comes on the heels of other measures being taken on the national level to stem the spread of the virus in the United States, including news that Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association are indefinitely suspending their 2020 seasons. Additionally the Southeastern College Conference announced it will not play its 2020 basketball tournament.

President Trump asked Americans in a speech from the Oval Office on March 11 to avoid gathering in large groups as much as possible until the extent of virus’ infection in the U.S. is understood and better contained.

According to doctors at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Covid-19 has a person-to-person infection rate that is twice that of most influenza strains that affect the country every year, and a mortality rate that is 10 times that of the flu. There is no vaccine.

The CDC is advising all Americans to wash their hands with soap and water more frequently, avoiding shaking hands and other non-essential contact with other people, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to help contain the virus spread.