Regarding the concerns about the Covid-19 virus, the following is the first of an ongoing series of updates by the event organisers to keep you informed:-
Current advice from the government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Valance, is that “gatherings of people do not pose an increased medical risk.”
It is estimated that there are currently over 10,000 people undiagnosed with the virus in the UK. It is not possible to suspend potential contamination via people working (factories, offices, etc.) buying essentials, money transactions, public transport etc.
The government’s concern regarding large events is that they may present a drain on public resources such as police and NHS cover. Our event has its own private security and medical cover, so this does not apply.
It seems that on Monday 16th March 2020 the government will announce a ban on “mass gatherings”. What this actually means is conjecture at this time, but as of this minute …
We have no plans to cancel the event at this time.
The safety of the public and our staff is of course our number one priority so we will continue to review the advice from public health bodies and the government.
Like other companies in this sector, we support the position taken by the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry* and remain committed to delivering our events in a safe environment.
We are working closely with the venue, taking whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of the public and staff alike.
So while this is a developing situation, unless we are otherwise advised, both editions of the event will take place as scheduled – ‘Spring’ [25-26 April 2020] and ‘Late Summer’ [19-20 September 2020].
This statement will be emailed to the 250+ trade stands, attractions and clubs booked in to date (the event has doubled in size from last year!!!), but please share/post this statement within forums and social media pages you frequent.
USEFUL LINKS:
* http://blog.ufi.org/2020/02/19/joint-ufi-siso-statement-on-the-coronavirus-and-the-global-exhibitions-and-events-industry
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response