The World Surf League Latin America and  The Latin American Association of Professional Surfers (ALAS) has postponed all its events planned for the first half of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the first entity reported in an email accessed by DUKE and the second in a note sent to the press.

The postponed events are as follows:
From the WSL:
-The Rip Curl Pro Mar del Plata, from April 8 to 11.
-The Oi Pro Junior Series in Stella Maris, Bahia between April 17 and 19
-The Heroes of May Iquique Pro from May 18 to 24
-The Maui and Sons Arica Pro Tour from May 26 to 31

From ALAS:
-El Claro Neon Night for April 3 and 4
-The Barranca International Surf Festival 2020 scheduled from April 9 to 11
-The Surf City El Salvador ALAS Pro Tour, scheduled from April 28 to May 1.

“The health and safety of our athletes and event staff is a priority for the WSL,” said Ivan Martinho, CEO of WSL Latin America. “We are closely monitoring the development of COVID 19 in all territories and had several meetings today (Friday) with the organizers of our events. Everyone also showed concern about what is happening in the world. The good thing is that no stage will be cancelled and together we will find new dates.”  for when the situation returns to normal.”

For her part, Karín Sierralta, president of ALAS, said: "We deeply regret what happened and we call on the entire Latin family to be aware that this is a global emergency and we must take all precautions to avoid contagion."

The first stage of the Peruvian national tournament, which was to be held this weekend in La Isla, was also suspended for the same reason, leaving the first half of the year without tournaments.

The remaining events on the WSL's global calendar in March have been suspended and they are considering cancelling the Bells CT as well.