The industry’s peak body has requested the federal government’s chief medical officer to make a public statement declaring there is no reason to cancel or postpone exhibitions, conferences and other business meetings over coronavirus concerns.
Claudia Sagripanti, CEO of the Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia (EEAA), said it was important that the Australian government does what other governments have done internationally and declare public events low risk for the spread of the virus.
“We want to reassure event attendees that events are, and can continue, operating in light of current advice from government,” she said.
“The industry has already responded by implementing guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation and the global leader in exhibitions UFI, such as additional cleaning procedures, providing hand sanitisers, upgrading WHS protocols and asking event attendees who feel unwell to stay home.”
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) released a statement over the weekend stating: “At this time, the AHPPC consider that public events should proceed, but strongly recommend people that are unwell with cough or fever or other respiratory symptoms should not attend public events or gatherings.”
However, the EEAA calls for the government to elevate the message and call for calm in the community.
“We are constantly monitoring the developing situation,” Sagripanti said.
“We are drawing on current advice and information provided by both federal and state government authorities and the recommended precautions from the World Health Organisation.
“At this time, there is no clear reason for events to be cancelled.”
To support the businesses affected, EEAA in conjunction with the Meetings & Events Association, will host COVID-19 Information Exchanges in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
The government’s chief medical office and health departments have been invited to answer questions from the industry.
“The events and exhibition industry is resilient; however, we need to know that all is being done to support this sector, which contributes over $28 billion to the economy and provides 180,000 jobs,” Sagripanti said.
Details about the Information Exchanges can be found here.
Featured image: iStock/Supersmario
