[Communications] Status of conference - CDC and CDPH info

[Lorraine Kells]

Yes. My email is full of concern and condemnation.

On Thu, Mar 12, 2020, 8:48 AM Julie Samuels <jsamuels1966 at gmail.com> wrote:

> We definitely need to talk about this as soon as possible.
>
> On Wed, Mar 11, 2020 at 8:37 PM Amy Olson <akeo at me.com> wrote:
>
>> Hi Gina and everyone,
>>
>> I agree that we need to have a talk about going forward with the
>> conference with the COVID-19 concerns as soon as possible.
>> Is there any way we could have a phone call this Friday morning to
>> discuss our plan, before the support team orientation and our final
>> walk-through scheduled for Monday?
>>
>> Speaking for myself, there is so much that the communications team has to
>> do with sending confirmations to attendees, printing badges, the programs,
>> the signage, and we planned to work on all of this over the weekend. We
>> need to know whether to spend the time and resources.
>>
>> The sooner we can chart a course, the better it will be for everyone,
>> including the attendees, the support team, and especially the presenters. I
>> can envision a few options including moving forward with the conference
>> with modifications, or postponement, or a virtual conference or a full
>> cancellation.
>>
>> I gathered some current info, and hope you find it helpful. On our
>> website, we state we are following the CDC guidance…and here it is.
>>
>> The current CDC guidance states this for older adults with regard to
>> events and public spaces:
>>
>>    - To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in
>>    public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with
>>    people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if
>>    you must touch something
>>    -  Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of
>>    exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded,
>>    closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the
>>    crowd who are sick.
>>    -  If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, take extra measures to
>>    put distance between yourself and other people to further reduce your risk
>>    of being exposed to this new virus.
>>    - CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
>>
>>
>> The Chicago Department of Public Health says this (see attached pdf):
>>
>>    - Older people and people with severe chronic conditions should take
>>    special precautions because they are at higher risk of developing serious
>>    COVID-19 illness. They should limit travel and should not attend large
>>    gatherings unless it is essential.
>>    - Event organizers should stay informed on the latest developments
>>    and public health guidance, review existing emergency operations plans, and
>>    determine criteria and strategies for postponing or canceling events.
>>    - CDPH website: ​http://www.chicago.gov/coronavirus
>>
>> We will figure it out!
>> Amy
>>
>>
>> On Mar 10, 2020, at 7:35 PM, kuumba treahm <kuumbatreahm at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Mar 9, 2020 at 09:50 kuumba treahm <kuumbatreahm at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>> Here is the Agenda for the MOTMS, 03/09/2020
>>
>>
>> Gina
>> Good evening! I think we need to have a conversation referencing whether
>> or not to cancel our 2020 Conference. Let’s continue to watch the reports.
>> Angela is attempting to schedule a walkthrough on Monday and afterwards
>> that should be a good time to have this conversation.
>>
>> Let me know your thoughts.
>>
>> Gina
>>
>>
>>
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