Paris-Roubaix and the first women's Paris-Roubaix may not be held at all in 2020.

The French cobbled classics were moved from their usual spring date to October 25 in a restructuring of the 2020 season earlier this year, and the women's race was added to the calendar for the first time, but the new slot is now under threat as COVID-19 returns in France after the blockade was eased.

The Hauts-de-France region, where many of the races are held, is on high alert, and the Lille metropolitan area, which hosts the Roubaix finish, is particularly affected.

A new grading system has been introduced for the affected areas, including "Super Red" and "Scarlet Red" zones; Lille, which has seen more than 250 cases per 10,000 population in seven days, has already been designated "Scarlet," the highest grade, but on Thursday a 10-day postponement granted. If the situation does not turn around quickly, strict blockade conditions will be implemented, including the total closure of bars and restaurants and restrictions on public gatherings.

"For me, the holding of this race is in doubt," said Eau-de-France representative Michel Lalande earlier this week.

He added that he is waiting to hear what measures the race organizer, ASO, is considering to ensure the race is run safely.

According to local newspaper La Voix du Nord, the meeting was informal, with ASO seeking to provide assurances that a filtration system could be installed to limit the number of spectators at the most famous cobbled sections and at the Roubaix velodrome stands at the finish.

The women's route will be 116 km and 17 sectors of cobblestones, starting in Denain, south of Roubaix, and finishing at the Roubaix Velodrome.

No decision was made and local authorities will assess the situation over the next 10 days to determine how strict the new regulations will be.

The ASO, confident that the Tour de France went from start to finish without any major health issues, will hold Wednesday's Flèche Wallonne with restrictions, as will Sunday's Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

Lille Mayor Martine Aubry said she was "very concerned" about her health, but Roubaix Mayor Guillaume Delbar seemed more confident about the race.

"The work around the safety protocols will go well and the race will still take place.

"I can't imagine this mythical race finishing in front of empty stands.