Geneva Motor Show Says Visitors And Staff With Coronavirus Symptoms Need To Stay Away

Update: Swiss authorities have confirmed the first case of coronavirus after a 70-year old man was tested positive in the southern canton of Ticino, near the border with Italy. “The infected person was in (northern) Italy about 10 days ago and participated in an event near Milano,” the Swiss health ministry said in a statement, adding that the risk of contagion for Switzerland as a whole remained only “moderate”. Nevertheless, health officials confirmed on Tuesday that 70 more people are being tested for the infection.

The organizers of the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, Palexpo SA, are asking exhibitors as well as visitors to be mindful of their surroundings and take measures against the spread of this latest Coronavirus epidemic.

The Swiss-based event usually attracts around 600,000 visitors every year, however, given the circumstances, this year’s numbers might be quite a bit lower.

“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.”

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The organizers also “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.”

As of right now, there haven’t been any issues in Switzerland. In fact, the Palexpo press release states that no samples tested so far have been for the novel Coronavirus.

Measures being taken for this year’s show include increased cleaning and disinfecting across all high-volume touch points, an online awareness campaign, awareness and training for all staff on standard personal preventive measures, and the installation of new signage on-site, reminding attendees of hygiene recommendations.

Speaking of attendees, if you’re going to Geneva next week, here are a few protection measures you can take for yourself:

– Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub
– Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone coughing or sneezing
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
– Make sure you follow good respiratory hygiene, as in covering your mouth if you feel like sneezing or coughing
– Stay home if you feel unwell, especially if you’re coughing, running a fever and you’re having difficulty breathing (better yet, see a doctor)

The 2020 Geneva Motor Show will open its doors to the press on March 3, followed by a VIP Day on the 4th and public days between 5-15 March.