Did you already book your flight and hotel?
Scheduled to open March 5 through March 15 in Geneva, Switzerland this yearly Geneva Motor Show might not happen.
As the coronavirus spreads across Europe, more and more car manufacturers are looking again at the possible drop in attendance and also working towards a back up plan. This yearly Motor Show is the one of the biggest in terms of exhibitors and also one of the biggest for attending trade visitors and consumer visitors.
Already there are car manufacturers looking to scale back. With the increased number of coronavirus patients in Italy and 12 confirmed deaths, Ferrari is reducing its executive attendance and Brembo is holding back on the press conference.
Korean audio and infotainment specialist, Harman which is part of the Samsung Group is pulling out completely from this years show.
Chinese automaker Aiways said it has been unable to ship the much talked about U6ion electric crossover coupe concept to Geneva in time for its planned press conference.
Toyota Motor Corporation has responded to the show’s organizer that their top executives will not be attending the show and they will leave their European executives to handle this year show stand.
The Volkswagen Group has decided to reduce its presence at the show and only essential personal will be allowed to attend.
Wonder what will be the most expensive car at this years Geneva Motor Show?
PRESS RELEASE: From the Geneva Motor Show Organisers
Palexpo, 27th February 2020. In the context of the coronavirus epidemic afflicting particularly China, Palexpo SA is carefully observing the situation and its possible implications for exhibitors, visitors, partners and employees in view of the upcoming events in the Palexpo halls.
However, the organisers encourage exhibitors from at-risk areas to ensure that their staff pass the necessary checks and do not show any symptoms of infection in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Switzerland, so as to avoid any risk of spread that could result from their presence in Geneva vis-à-vis the staff of other exhibitors and other visitors.
Palexpo is in regular contact with the General Directorate of Health of the Republic and Canton of Geneva and its medical advisor to develop an action plan, adjustable in real time. This plan recommends the implementation of a programme of cleaning, disinfection and prevention along with the use of correct cleaning/ sanitising materials and products. In this process, Palexpo is following the recommendations of the competent public health authorities in the field, namely the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH),
For practical questions, a hotline is available at the FOPH: +41 (0)58 463 00 00 as well as on-line information here.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) gives advice to individuals on how to contain and mitigate against any further spread of the virus. Please find further information under this link.
We strongly recommend that you keep yourself up to date with the information from these authorities, so that you can react in the best manner possible to potential questions from your employees and partners.
MEASURES BEING IMPLEMENTED BY PALEXPO:
- Increased cleaning and disinfection programme across all high-volume touchpoints, e.g. catering areas, surfaces, handrails, WCs, entrances/exits, public touch-screens, etc. along with the use of correct cleaning/sanitising materials and products
- Awareness campaign via online and onsite info-share and signage
- Awareness and training to all staff on standard personal preventative measures, e.g. personal hygiene, frequency of use of sanitising/disinfection products, etc.
- Installing new signage on-site, reminding attendees of hygiene recommendations
- We would also like to point out that during an event at Palexpo, medical staff and – depending on the number of visitors – a doctor are present. Trained to diagnose infectious diseases, they will be able if necessary to organize the referral of affected patients to hospitals. In the event of questions or sudden symptoms, please contact our on-site medical service (follow the “Infirmerie” signs).
PROTECTION MEASURES FOR EVERYONE
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others.
Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
Source: World Health Organization WHO Q&A on coronaviruses (Covid-19) of 23 February 2020
