The 2020 Statewide All-Star Games have been cancelled due to concerns over the spread of Coronavirus, according to North Idaho College.

"We couldn't, in good faith, expose student athletes and their families to a potential health risk," said Graydon Stanley, Vice President of Student Services at NIC.

The announcement comes one day after the World Health Organization classified Coronavirus as a pandemic. In response, the NBA suspended its season, while the NCAA announced it would limit fan attendance to this year's March Madness tournament. While no positive cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by Coronavirus, have shown up in Idaho, North Idaho College announced the games would be cancelled "because of our concern for the health and safety of our students, employees, and community."

"We regret the loss of opportunity and the inconvenience caused by these actions, but we are absolutely committed to the health and safety of our communities," the college announced in a press release Thursday morning. 

NIC also announced it would not participate in or travel to the NWAC Women's Basketball Championships. Stanley said while the NIC community was looking forward to once again hosting this year's All-Star games, safety remained the No. 1 priority. 

"Those costs are minor when it comes to keeping everyone safe," Stanley said.