BRUSSELS - Based on the information currently available, EDANA has confirmed that there is so far no reason to postpone INDEX 20, which is due to open in five weeks time.
The statement in full reads: "EDANA and PALEXPO understand concerns created by the uncertainty of the overall situation and are committed to communicate any change in due time. The well-being and health of all INDEX stakeholders, as well as their business needs and expectations, remain our highest priority.
"According to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), which follows the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), events such as INDEX do not currently pose a health risk.
"In general, governmental authorities, including those in Switzerland, are calling on all parties to avoid spontaneous measures that are not warranted by Public Health imperatives. We will keep conforming to their instructions accordingly. In case of uncertainty about their health status, exhibitors and visitors are expected to pass all necessary health checks before travelling to INDEX 20.
"The Organisers will publish all relevant information on a daily basis.
"Following the FOPH advice, Palexpo is implementing the following measures:
- An enhanced cleaning and disinfection programme for all high-volume contact points, e.g. food service areas, surfaces, ramps, washrooms, entrances/ exits, public touchscreens, etc.
- The use of appropriate cleaning and sanitising products
- An awareness campaign through sharing information online and on-site signage
- Awareness and training of all staff in standard personal preventive measures, e.g. personal hygiene, frequency of use of sanitisers/ disinfectants, etc.
- The installation of new signage on-site reminding participants of hygiene recommendations
- Permanent presence of a medical doctor
- Two infirmary points
- General availability of disinfectant wipes
"It is the exhibitors’ responsibility to make arrangements for enhanced cleaning and disinfection of high-volume contact points on their stands, including door handles, reception desks, public touch screens, etc., to help keep their surroundings sanitary.
"For practical questions, a hotline is available at the FOPH: +41 (0)58 463 00 00 as well as online information https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pandemien/aktuelle-ausbrueche-epidemien/novel-cov.html
"The recommendations of the Council of State of the Republic and Canton of Geneva are also available here: https://www.ge.ch/document/point-nouveau-coronavirus-2019-ncov.
"PALEXPO and EDANA remain at your disposal for any further information."
