Last updated March 10, 2020
Dear all,
More than 120 Assistants are currently getting ready to experience Executive Secretary LIVE, which is scheduled to take place, as planned, on 27 & 28 March, in London, United Kingdom. We respect the decision of those who have decided to postpone their participation due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We understand that some attendees and speakers may be prohibited from traveling due to their institutional/ corporate policies, and may be unable to participate in-person. We are monitoring the World Health Organisation website advice for event organisers and updates will be sent as relevant changes occur. WHO does not currently recommend quarantine for healthy travellers or cancellation of small scale events like ours.
We understand the Coronavirus has raised concerns among some exhibitors, presenters and attendees, and in response, have adopted measures to minimise any potential impact on Executive Secretary LIVE 2020. Similar measures have been implemented at other events taking place throughout the world to protect the health of individuals. Those events are also proceeding as planned. Should the position change, we will be in contact.
FAQs
1. Where are you travelling from?
Individuals and companies will still be in a position to come to LIVE as long as they do not reside in and have not visited the countries listed below in the last 14 days (this list may change over the next three weeks and we will keep you informed)
Cambodia
China
Hong Kong
Iran
Italy
Japan
Laos
Macau
Malaysia
Myanmar (Burma)
Singapore
South Korea
Taiwan
Tenerife – only the H10 Costa Adeje Palace Hotel
Thailand
Vietnam
Much like individuals who are still going to sporting events, concerts, museums, and other events with large crowds, there is minimal risk for LIVE attendees and exhibitors. Nonetheless, we are taking precautions to prevent the spread of any germs, to help put participants’ minds at ease.
2. Am I at risk if I touch someone else?
We are implementing a “no-handshake policy” at ExecSecLIVE. Whilst hand sanitisers being available is being implemented at some events, we have taken advice and there is no proof that this is effective as a form of controlling the virus. The government is advising that regular hand washing is far more effective. A guideline as to how to wash your hands properly can be found here. We will however be providing boxes of tissues on each table as advice is to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze & to put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards.
3. What if someone is not feeling well but is planning to attend the conference?
Regardless of any other circumstances, it is still cold and flu season. We would ask that all participants exercise discretion in attending LIVE 2020. If you are feeling feverish, please exercise common sense and do not come to Executive Secretary LIVE. We can postpone your place until next year or you can swap out and attend one of our other conferences/training courses at a later date.
4. Livestreaming options.
In addition, we are also looking into options to livestream the event for those that cannot attend. This may come into play not only for those unable to attend because of sickness or travel bans, but also if schools decide to close, mothers/fathers may need to stay home. We will be in contact about this as soon as we have finalised details but attending remotely will not invalidate your ability to postpone actually attending one of our events at a later date.
5. In the event of a delegate being taken ill, what will happen?
The delegate will be asked to self isolate in their hotel room and we will call 111. The hotel has a policy on how this will be handled after this. They have established contacts with the local Public Health Authorities in the unlikely event that someone is taken ill. NHS guidelines on what you should do if you develop symptoms are here.
6. What happens if someone develops Coronavirus post event.
We are ensuring that we have full contact details for every attendee so that if anyone develops symptoms after the event, we can quickly let all the attendees know.
7. Who should I contact if I need further information
Please email Matthew Want at mwant@executivesecretary.com
FURTHER Links and Resources:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) technical guidance (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance
We hope to see you in a couple of weeks in London.
Please let us know if you are unlikely to be able to join us or if you would like to discuss options.
Kind regards,
Lucy
** Please be aware **
Information about Coronavirus is being updated daily, if not hourly, the information and policies detailed above are correct at the time of writing.
This statement may be subject to change at any time.