WASHINGTON, DC — A race is underway to understand the health impact and limit the impact of the latest COVID-19 variant, designated B.1.1.529 or omicron.
The variant, first detected in South Africa, has been identified in Europe, the United States and other countries and is expected to spread further in the coming months.
Much is still unknown about the Omicron variant, but it has been confirmed that a previous COVID infection does not confer immunity. South African doctors have observed that while the Omicron variant appears to be more transmissible than other strains, it presents mild symptoms in patients, unlike the Delta variant.
The World Health Organization has issued a new advisory, urging people at risk of severe disease or those aged 60 and over to get vaccinated and avoid high-risk behaviours, such as travelling to areas with COVID-19 risks. Of course, calls for vaccination of the unvaccinated have reached a higher level.
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In response to the discovery of omicron and the scientific advances surrounding it, the Biden administration is strengthening coronavirus testing requirements for international travelers arriving in the United States. Travelers will be required to provide a negative test result from a test taken within 24 hours of departure. Previously, the United States required proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of departure. Biden also extended the mask mandate on all domestic flights and public transportation through March 18.
The situation is already having an impact on business travel and events. The Netherlands is in partial lockdown, as are other European countries, including Germany and Austria.
The European Exhibition Industry Alliance responded by calling for a coordinated approach to intra-EU travel and travel from outside the EU. An EEIA position paper was drafted calling for a coordinated approach to rapidly adapt the validity of the EU Digital COVID Certificate and to adopt the unified EU Digital Passenger Locator Form.
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Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, said she was “encouraged” by the Biden administration’s measured response, which will allow trade events to continue.
“The business events industry must remain both focused and flexible, concentrating on evolving customer needs and being prepared to change plans if necessary,” Bauer said. “We are a resilient industry and I am confident that the business momentum generated by recent industry events has paved the way for a meaningful recovery in business.”
Sherrif Karamat, CAE, president and CEO of PCMA, said Convening Leaders 2022 will take place in Las Vegas in January and all in-person attendees will be required to be vaccinated.
“As the world awaits more details on the Omicron variant, I encourage the business events industry to remain vigilant as we continue to safely deliver engaging experiences that drive commerce, foster community, and equip us with the latest knowledge to advance economies and social good,” Karamat said. “The volatility around this virus is expected and will continue, so we cannot lose sight of the importance of being safe – wearing a mask, getting vaccinated – and listening to the facts provided by medical experts so we can continue to run our businesses effectively.”
Contact Carina Bauer at [email protected] and Sherrif Karamat at [email protected] or (312) 423-7262