Thousands Sign Petition To Cancel 2020 SXSW Event Due To Coronavirus Threat

Thousands have signed a petition to cancel the 2020 SXSW event due to the growing threat of coronavirus. 

As KVUE reports, the petition follows 62 cases of COVID-19 being reported in the US alone, while the annual music conference and festival is set to return to Austin, Texas this month. 

"I believe that having an event like this is irresponsible amid an outbreak," a statement published with the petition reads.

It comes after SXSW issued their own statement saying that the 2020 event is "proceeding as planned".

"The World Health Organization’s recommendation is that travelers practice usual precautions, and we are increasing our efforts to help prevent the spread of disease per Austin Public Health’s recommendations," the statement reads.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary."

Read the full statement here.

A number of Australian acts are currently confirmed to be heading to SXSW, including Baker Boy, Alex The Astronaut, Alice Skye, RVG and Bakers Eddy.