Dear Industry Partners,
It is our duty in times of uncertainty to back/support organisers and exhibitors by creating an environment of solidarity, up-to-date information and action.
In this spirit IELA made a call-for-action to all its members in order to create a global compilation of shows being affected, providing a contingency network and resilience as an industry in times of uncertainty.
Through our work we support the interest of organisers and exhibitors worldwide. If the ground is being affected, it affects us. While we continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed, please share with organisers and exhibitors that the industry can count on us.
Thank you for your co-operation & commitment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach us out: elizabeth.at.iela.org
The IELA Team
What is the Coronavirus?
The Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China.
Coronaviruses are a large family of respiratory viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to the Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The clinical signs and symptoms of the patients reported in this cluster are mainly fever, with a few patients having difficulty in breathing, and chest radiographs showing bilateral lung infiltrates. Some cases were operating dealers or vendors in Huanan Seafood Market.
How will it affect business events? What are the short-and long-term considerations?
In the need to serve the event industry and it’s professionals we share the information of our industry partners to take appropriate action. Have a look at the statement of the Events Industry Council to learn more about how the coronavirus will have an impact on business events and what the short- and long-term actions are.
Take Care of yourself and others – How to prevent from getting sick:
The standard recommendation of WHO (World Health Organization) is to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses as follows, which include hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices:
- Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
- When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider
- When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals
- The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.
Fakes vs. Facts
Help us to spread facts, no fear, reducing exposure and transmission
For more Myths about the Coronavirus click here: WHO's myth buster
Is it safe to receive a package from China?
Yes it is safe. People receiving letters or packages from China are not at risk to get infected by the coronavirus. From previous analysis, WHO confirmed coronavirus does not survice long on objects.
What we can expect:
It is likely that the virus will grow further in the next following days. It is also likely that person-to-person spread will continue to occur at Airports nearby affected areas.
Resources:
World Health Organisation, Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
World Health Organisation, Novel Coronavirus( 2019-nCoV) SITUATION REPORT- 6 – 26 JANUARY 2020
World Health Organisation, Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) advice for the public
World Health Organisation, Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) situation reports
World Health Organisation, Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) travel advice
World Health Organisation, Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) advice for the public: Myth busters
PCMA: What business events professionals need to know about the novel coronavirus
PCMA: preparing for Coronavirus
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of South Africa
The NICD: What is the Coronavirus
Cape Town Travel: A global health emergency all you need to know
2019 Novel Coronavirus: What you need to know - Official Statement from IAEE
