There will be no Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany this year – the coronavirus is putting an end to the event, local authorities in the state of Bavaria have announced.

The risks are too great as long as there is no vaccine against Covid-19, explains regional government leader Markus Söder.

Every year, the party, which is characterized by large amounts of beer and ompa-ompa music, usually attracts around six million people, a significant number of whom are from other countries.

According to Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter, this is a "bitter pill", not least financially, as last year's Oktoberfest had a turnover of around 1 billion euros, equivalent to 11 billion kronor.

This year's event was scheduled to take place between September 19 and October 4.

Source: TT