The European exhibition is set to run alongside the European Sign Expo and Sportswear Pro at IFEMA in Madrid from March 24th – 27th. However, as the coronavirus continues to spread, organisers have put together an action plan.

A statement released by FESPA says: “FESPA takes the concern of exhibitors, visitors and partners regarding the outbreak of COVID-19 (also known as novel coronavirus) very seriously. Safety is always first priority, and FESPA wishes to take proactive steps to minimise the risks to all participants at the March 2020 events in Madrid.

“As such, the FESPA Board and Senior Management Team is actively monitoring all developments relating to COVID-19, guided by latest information from WHO [World Health Organisation].”

As of today (March 20th), FESPA will formally contact all exhibitors from all three shows from China and ask for documented evidence that all representatives attending the exhibitions have not “resided in or visited” China at any time after March 5th, 2020. This is to account for the two-week incubation period for the virus and covers the two-week run-up to the show.

All other exhibitors and visitors are requested to not attend any of the exhibitions if they have visited China after this same period.

Having liaised with IFEMA, the host venue for the exhibition, the organisers continue: “IFEMA has increased the health measures it takes, and is in contact with the authorities through its two Medical Service units, which are equipped to provide immediate medical attention during its events.

“Should a case be detected, it is, in turn, prepared to activate the appropriate protocol and refer the affected person to the reference hospital for observation and attention.”

If you have an interesting story or a view on this news, then please e-mail news@signlink.co.uk

Follow Carys on: