[Communications] Status of conference - CDC and CDPH info

[Mamie Gray]

I am available for a Friday morning conference call. Mamie

On Thu, Mar 12, 2020 at 9:01 AM Lorraine Kells <lxkells at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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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