When facing uncertainty or crisis, identifying reliable and timely sources of information is critical to making responsible decisions. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has raised global concerns that will have both short-term and long-term impacts.

On 11 February 2020, the coronavirus was given an official name by the World Health Organization (WHO) – COVID-19.

This virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person-to-person.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

Current guidance for when it is OK to release someone from isolation is when:

• The patient is free from fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• The patient is no longer showing symptoms, including cough.
• The patient has tested negative on at least two consecutive respiratory specimens collected at least 24 hours apart.

Someone who has been released from isolation is not considered to pose a risk of infection to others.

The virus has been having a tremendous impact on The Aleit Group as well as the entire events industry worldwide. Events are being cancelled and postponed around the globe to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, as travel becomes more and more restricted.

Many international sporting events have been postponed or cancelled, including Six Nations and Women’s Six Nations rugby matches that had been scheduled for February and March, and the Hong Kong and Singapore Sevens. Europe’s leading football leagues were placed on hold, Spain suspended all La Liga football games, the ATP tennis circuit was suspended for six weeks, the London Marathon have been scrapped, North America’s NHL shut down and cricket matches ordered to be played without fans, and much more.

Others have taken place with major changes, like the Tokyo Marathon, which was restricted to elite runners. Formula One was cancelled just a few hours before the cars were scheduled to take to the track for the first time. The Two Ocean’s marathon was also cancelled.

The BNP Paribas Open, a major tennis tournament that was scheduled to take place in Indian Wells, was cancelled as well as the Miami Open. The French Open tennis tournament was also postponed to September/ October 2020.

Other events that were cancelled include Mariah Carey’s show in Hawaii due to Travel restrictions. The singer rescheduled for November. Avril Lavigne had to postpone the Asian leg of her “Head Above Water” World Tour, missing concerts in the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and several cities in China. Madonna cancelled two shows in Paris in March due to restrictions imposed.

Please take care of yourself, keep boosting your immune system, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly and avoid contact with international travellers.

Whilst being careful, please don’t panic either! Please find some interesting statistics about the Coronavirus: https://www.facebook.com/informationisbeautiful/photos/a.10157864012508418/10157864012758418/?type=3&theater

For more information: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus