Messe Düsseldorf has made it clear that drupa 2020, based on current knowledge, will go ahead. Rumours have been swirling that the expo will be cancelled due to coronavirus threats spreading across the globe. But the official statement from the organisers states that there is currently no reason to postpone or cancel drupa 2020. According to the statement, Messe Düsseldorf has taken up concerns of customers, guests and partners regarding the coronavirus very seriously, taking safety on top priority. It announces that exhibitors and visitors can expect a high level of hygiene, safety and good medical care at the Düsseldorf trade fair grounds as usual. Messe Düsseldorf is closely monitoring current developments and is in direct contact with the health authorities. All trade fair preparations are proceeding as planned.
According to the WHO, Robert Koch Institute and German authorities, the risk of infection with this new pathogen in Germany is currently very low. The medical facilities at the Messe Düsseldorf exhibition centre have the latest information at all times and are well prepared. There are clearly defined procedures for looking after anyone on the premises of the trade fair grounds who suddenly develops symptoms of a serious disease. These procedures were developed and tested at the time of SARS, Influenza A (H1N1) virus and also EHEC. Messe Düsseldorf provides its guests, partners and members of staff with hand disinfection dispensers in the toilets, washrooms, in the area in front of the trade fair doctor’s office/out-patient facility as well as at the entrance concourses. Close contact between all the relevant stakeholders ensures that new findings are shared, that information is provided and that available procedures for the trade fair grounds are modified to suit a given situation.
