Week two of the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) was scheduled to take place on the 5th of February, however the games have been postponed. LPL released a statement on Twitter, attributing the delay to the recent coronavirus virus outbreak in mainland China. 

We have decided to postpone week 2 of the LPL until we can ensure the safety and health of our players and fans.

To our fans, we sincerely apologize that it has come to this and we will share any and all info as soon as we can.

Stay Safe and thank you all for your support!

— LPL (@lplenglish) January 26, 2020

The coronavirus is highly contagious, with a reported 3,000 cases worldwide since the outbreak started last December. The vast majority of these cases have been in China. Symptoms of the coronavirus include respiratory infections, which in some cases can be lethal. The virus has claimed the lives of 81 people in China so far. The increasing severity of the situation has led LPL to take action to protect its players and fans. 

Week one of LPL went off without a hitch earlier this month, featuring fun competitive matches, and the emergence of eStar as the underdogs who proved their naysayers wrong. Fans are eager to get back to the excitement, but most are more than willing to set aside their anticipation while the outbreak is monitored. 

No need to apologize. It sucks having the league delayed but it is certainly the wisest option to do in the meantime.

May everybody take care, and we’ll be more excited than ever to see the LPL return when it does.

— Emma (@Glaeweth) January 26, 2020

LPL has yet to set a new date for week two, nor has there been further comment from them. Visit the World Health Organization’s website for more information on this situation.