The main source of information for the coronavirus (COVID-19) should be the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as they are the leading edge government organization monitoring the outbreak. You can visit the CDC main coronavirus page by using the button below, or see their flyer on what the public should do:
CDC CORONAVIRUS MAIN PAGE
CDC - Coronavirus Do's and Dont's
World Health Organization Updates
It is important to recognize that ECF and individual members are not health care professionals. The CDC and other qualified health officials should continue to be the primary source of current information and guidance.ECF is offering general, precautionary guidance from officials, and adding some common-sense guidelines for our industry in the interest of promoting a proper amount of caution at this time.
Because this is a rapidly evolving situation, ECF will monitor developments and will continue efforts to secure guidance from health officials.
Again, it is important to refer to the CDC as the healthcare and wellness experts in matters like this.
Safety at meetings and events is always a top priority. The following is general information and not intended to be a comprehensive guide.
Always exercise common sense and good judgment when traveling and attending meetings and events. There are currently no travel restrictions in the United States related to the novel Coronavirus outbreak.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that you stay aware of the latest information available on its website and through your national and local public health authority. The WHO urges you to take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:
Wash Your Hands Frequently
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 Social Distancing
Maintain at least 1 meter (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 novel coronavirus, 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.
Practice Respiratory Hygiene
Make sure you and those 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 the common cold, flu and the novel coronavirus.
If You Have a Fever, Cough and Difficulty Breathing, Seek Medical Care Early
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 healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.
Stay Informed and Follow the Advice Given by Your Healthcare Provider
Stay informed on the latest developments about the novel coronavirus. Follow the advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from the novel coronavirus.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up-to-date information on whether the novel coronavirus is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.