EIC statement and curated resources regarding Coronavirus

<< In the News | February 4, 2020

Dear Board and Council members,

Yesterday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus update to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). We know that globally, event professionals take very seriously the care, health and safety of event participants and workers, and we are committed to providing timely and accurate information to assist our community in making informed decisions. To this end, we have created apage on our website with resources that provide up to date information. I have also issued a statement to our community that offers support and suggestions.

We encourage you to share this page on your social media platforms, and advise us if your organisation has created or identified additional resources that should be added to the page. Recommended resources can be sent to Mariela McIlwraith (copied). Please also share any feedback or additional thoughts with us.

Additionally, we would like to share that as part of the announcement, WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros, advised that “there is no reason for measures that unnecessarily interfere with international travel and trade. WHO doesn’t recommend limiting trade and movement.” Nevertheless, this is an opportunity to share recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure and transmission of a range of illnesses.

I appreciate your leadership and support while we will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Our resilience as an industry, and our strength as a community, will be invaluable for meeting the long-term needs of the regions affected by this outbreak. I was moved by Dr. Tedros’ call for solidarity, “This is the time for facts, not fear. This is the time for science, not rumours. This is the time for solidarity, not stigma.”

Together, we are stronger.

Amy Calvert