This year’s March of the Living in Poland, traditionally attended by dozens of Holocaust survivors, has been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Organisers of the 3.2 kilometre walk said their concern for the health of participants meant they had a responsibility to take “precautionary measures”.

It will be the first time the march along the route of the railway tracks leading into Birkenau from Auschwitz has not taken place since it was first held in 1988.

Thousands of young people routinely attend the march from dozens of countries around the world, joined by politicians and survivors for the annual event as part of an education drive to fight antisemitism and racism.

“After consulting with the relevant health bodies and officials, it is with a heavy heart that we are forced to announce the postponement of this year’s March of the Living in Poland,” said Shmuel Rosenman, world chair of the March of the Living organisation.

“Our primary concern is the health of the many participants and the Holocaust survivors who would be joining them.

“Given that this is an international event involving 110 delegations from around the world, we have a responsibility to take precautionary measures in accordance with the guidelines given by authorities in various countries.”

The group hopes to organise a march to be held later this year instead.