The British Air Display Association is a member of the Events Industry Forum (EIF). The EIF has issued the following advice to all UK Event Organisers from the Deputy Chief Medical Officer with regard to the potential risks of Coronavirus to Events.

  1. Coronavirus is part of a family of virus’, which range from the common cold to SARS and MERS.
  2. There is some evidence that it is very rare for those under 25 to get Coronavirus
  3. The vast majority of those catching Coronavirus will suffer not more than typical cold symptoms and then get better.  Recover is about a week.
  4. A small proportion of people – those with underlying symptoms (diabetics etc) and elderly over 60  – at greater risk.   The main risk is severe pneumonia.
  5. 98% of those catching Coronavirus will just get better
  6. It is very unlikely that there will be any vaccine available for around 18 months.
  7. The most likely places for the virus to spread are in the home, at school or in the workplace.
  8. It is highly unlikely people will pick up the virus walking in the street or shopping etc.
  9. Transmission is generally by close contact.
  10. Equally it is less likely they will pick the virus up at outdoor events than on a crowded underground or in a packed pub after a football match.
  11. There is currently no plan to ban any events in the UK.
  12. Surfaces like stainless steel, wood etc. do not seem to harbour viruses like this – plastic, on the other hand, does.
  13. Washing hands is important
  14. Generally, the advice is that people should continue to go about their normal lives but if they feel unwell they should stay at home.
  15. Government may issue specific advice for vulnerable groups but nothing is planned at the moment.
  16. It is unlikely that the UK Government will follow others in banning events, such as football matches, as the risk of catching the virus is low and they are keen for people to continue to live their lives normally.

Businesses should continue to run normally unless things dramatically change.

The EIF have direct access to Government advisors on this if required and will keep monitoring the situation.

UPDATE 4th March – CSSC Green Message – Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Useful links