Boston Marathon Decision Will Be Made 'Soon,' Walsh Says
BOSTON (CBS/AP) -- A final decision will be made in the next week or two about whether to hold the Boston Marathon in September, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh said Friday.
"The decision needs to be made soon," Walsh told WGBH News. "You can't cancel the marathon four days ahead of time."
The decision also won't be made lightly, Walsh said, noting that other cities that postponed marathons haven't yet canceled them.
Earlier in the week, Walsh said the decision to reschedule the marathon from April to Sept. 14 was made with the hope that the disease "would no longer be a significant public health risk."
Since then, thousands of Massachusetts residents have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, and precautions like social distancing, the use of masks in public spaces, and bans on large public gatherings remain in effect.
The Boston Athletic Association told WBZ-TV on Tuesday that it is "actively exploring all options for this year's race."
Walsh said that he has been tested both for COVID-19 and the antibodies produced from exposure to the virus. The Democrat said he tested negative for COVID-19 and is still waiting for results from the antibody test.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)