CETA 2020 Annual Meeting and COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Update as of 3/11/2020

With increasing concerns about the spread and impact of coronavirus, we want to assure you that CETA is taking the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and productive onsite experience for Annual Meeting Attendees.  

Right now, the Annual Meeting is taking place as scheduled in Myrtle Beach, SC, May 1-4, 2020. Currently, no federal restrictions are in place to prevent conferences, conventions, trade shows, exhibitions and travel within the United States. Since travel advice and entry guidelines vary from country to country, we encourage registered attendees and exhibitors to check the latest travel advice and entry guidelines for their home country and the United States before making arrangements. There have also been no reported cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reported in Myrtle Beach, SC.

The health and safety of CETA attendees and participants are our top priority. With the situation evolving rapidly, we strongly urge our attendees and exhibitors to refer to the guidelines and protocols suggested by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html), the World Health Organization, and local/state public health authorities regarding the virus. 

Please know we have contingency plans in place if any CETA participant exhibits symptoms consistent with the virus during the event. We are working with the hotel to coordinate appropriate safety procedures. In addition, soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers will be easily accessible in all common areas. We also appreciate AAF Flanders sponsoring individual hand sanitizers for each CETA attendee. We are also looking in to individually wrapped buffet items as well as luggage sanitation.

CETA is actively and continuously monitoring the COVID-19 virus outbreak and will make decisions regarding the Annual Meeting that are in line with local, state and federal authorities and public health advice. Any updates will be posted here as well as emailed to all registrants and exhibitors. 

Meanwhile, if you have any specific event questions or are already registered and reside in a country that is impacted by travel restrictions to the United States, please contact CETA at [email protected] or 919-792-6339.

MORE INFORMATION

The CDC’s standard recommendations for the general public to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19 are as follows, which include hand and respiratory hygiene:

- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

- Stay home when you are sick.

- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.