16 March 2020
Subject: Update of the 4th of March Statement of ELACTA in the light of the pandemic of COVID-19
After careful consultation with the board members and member associations, especially Italy, regarding the health and safety of everyone involved we have made the very difficult decision to cancel our 11th Conference, “Networking for breastfeeding“ at the university of Milan, Italy on 14-16 May 2020.
Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19, we felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event which is so important for our members, our sponsors and for ELACTA.
But we know it’s the right decision based on the information we have today.
We have prepared the decision-related processes and consequences of cancellation.
Our team will be reaching directly to exhibitors and together with the registration bureau Spazio Iris, to the attendees, with information about providing full refunds.
Because we understand the need for the information, for CERPs and the necessity of organizing the General Assembly we are in the process of possibly transferring (part of) our conference to an online version.
For our GA, which is an essential statutory event, with elections for Board 2020-2022, we are also seeking for a solution.
This will be communicated to our candidates, member associations and individual members as soon as possible. For questions you can contact president@elacta.eu.
On behalf of ELACTA Board,
Yours sincerely,
Karin Tiktak
President
Date 3 MARCH 2020
Statement ELACTA on the current situation of COVID19 in Europe
COVID-19 is an emerging acute respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS CoV-2. Current knowledge is evolving rapidly and is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. The virus spreads mainly from person to person by close contact (0-2 meters) and it is transmitted via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Infected people are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic. However, as with other respiratory infections, some spread might be possible before symptoms appear.
Take the precautions which are recommended by the health authorities in order to limit the transmission of the virus (http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19).
The current situation changes rapidly. People are nervous and events in affected areas are cancelled. We take care of our event in May 14-16: the 11th Conference, taking place in Milan, the north part of Italy. We are following the news and update ourselves on the situation that may lead to other decisions.
We ask you to stay calm, be patient and observe the news from reliable newssites, WHO and National regulations, like Ministry of Foreign affairs. Inform yourself . ELACTA will update you promptly if there is a certain important change about the situation.
In case the event has to be cancelled, 100% refunds will be given on the registrations. In such case, ELACTA will pay the organizing costs arising from this unforeseen situation.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELACTA