Interaction 20

Dear friends,

Once a year, Interaction Week brings us together in Europe or North America. It is a family reunion of sorts for many – a time to connect, re-connect and make new connections within IxDA’s global community.

We’ve been working closely with our conference team on the ground, coordinating with our primary venue - the Milan Convention Centre (MiCo), and monitoring the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to stay up to date. There is a working group within MiCo that has been activated to monitor the situation.

The ECDC risk assessment is there is a moderate likelihood of further cases in EU countries, but that with appropriate prevention practices the likelihood of contracting the virus from a secondary case is low.

It is important to ensure that we all take the necessary precautions to stop the spread of the virus. If, while you are with us in Milan, you feel unwell, please follow these steps:

At your hotel Phone the medical service provided by the hotel. If they are not available, phone the closest public hospital emergency room recommended by the hotel, who can advise whether you should visit or isolate yourself.
At the conference Proceed to the IxDA booth on the conference main floor, where you will be directed to the medical support available on site.
At one of the IxDA social events Contact one of the IxDA team on site, who will assist in getting access to the closest medical support available

Expect thermal entry screening at airports to detect raised temperatures. You may also see signs requiring that you declare if you have travelled to (or through) one of the affected areas.
Public health authorities are collaborating with airline operators, in accordance with guidelines, to manage any suspected illness on board an aircraft.
If you are suspected of being ill, follow the instructions of public health authorities.

Please follow the same hygiene advice that you would take to avoid influenza and to stay healthy.

Use soap or alcohol-based hand wash frequently; wash your hands for at least 20 seconds each time.
Avoid areas where there are people sneezing; if you need to sneeze or cough cover your mouth or nose with a flexed elbow and dispose of tissues immediately.
Avoid contact with anyone who is unwell.
Do not attend sessions if you feel unwell and seek medical advice through the channels described above.