As the organiser of Light + Building, Messe Frankfurt, takes the subject of Covid-19 very seriously and is in constant contact with the public-health authorities. Both the World Health Organisation and the local medical authorities estimate the danger of becoming infected with the virus at Light + Building as being very low. Indeed, Dr Antoni Walczok of Frankfurt’s public-health office told the German Press Agency (dpa) that catching the flue is much more likely and advised visitors to wash their hands more frequently.
As a preventive measure to counteract the spread of infectious diseases, Messe Frankfurt is planning additional cleaning measures, especially for areas such as entrances, door handles and escalator handrails. Moreover, disinfectant dispensers will be set-up throughout the Exhibition Centre.
Wolfgang Marzin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Messe Frankfurt, explains: “For us as entrepreneurs, assessing both risks and opportunities is part of everyday business life and decisions are taken rationally, not emotionally. There is nothing more important for us than the health of our visitors, exhibitors and employees. At the same time, Light + Building and all its innovations is a booster for the sector. According to all experts, the likelihood of becoming infected with the coronavirus is minimal. To repeat: the authorities have not issued any warnings. Light + Building will be held as planned.”
That this is the right course of action is confirmed by the recent Ambiente consumer-goods fair, which was held in Frankfurt am Main from 7 to 11 February. Altogether, it attracted 4,635 exhibitors and around 108,000 visitors from almost 160 nations. There were no medical incidents in connection with Covid-19.
Facts
- Light + Building will take place as planed from 8 to 13 March 2020.
- 2,640 exhibitors have registered.
- Over 90 percent of all Covid-19 infections are limited to the quarantined Chinese city of Wuhan.
- The majority of Covid-19 infections registered in Germany have already by released in good health.
- Flights from and to China are very limited at present. Accordingly, it is not possible at this stage to say how many companies will be taking part.
Further information can be found at the website of the World Health Organisation (WHO):
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/
Information about measures being taken during the fair at:
Press releases & images:
Social media:
www.light-building.com/facebook
www.light-building.com/twitter
www.light-building.com/youtube
www.light-building.com/linkedin
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With more than 2,600* employees at 30 locations, the company generates annual sales of around €733* million. We have close ties with our industry sectors and serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of the Group’s key USPs is its closely knit global sales network, which extends throughout the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent). For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com
* preliminary figures 2019