RAI Amsterdam, organisers of the biennial Interclean Amsterdam cleaning industry trade showcase, has given an update on the 2020 show in regards to concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Taking into consideration the health and wellbeing of visitors and exhibitors, RAI Amsterdam intends to make a final decision on the current schedule for the show on or before 20 March. Interclean Amsterdam 2020 is currently set to take place at the RAI Amsterdam venue from 12 to 15 May 2020.
As recently as 4 March, the Mayor of Amsterdam noted that while there was no need to cancel events yet, the situation remains unpredictable across the Netherlands and Europe as a whole, and is changing on a daily basis.
RAI Amsterdam say they are in constant contact with relevant authorities and important partners, including the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Municipal Health Services (GGD), the City of Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport and KLM, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Clean Hospitals Group.
Together, protocols and precautionary measures have been drawn up to avoid and minimise risk before, during and after public events. The recent Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) event at the RAI Amsterdam went ahead safely with hygiene procedures in place, with all stakeholders asked to respect guidelines that include:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and/or hand disinfectants.
- Cough and sneeze into paper tissues or inside of one’s elbow.
- Avoid contact with people with respiratory symptoms (coughs or colds, etc).
- Only greet each other either verbally or via hand gestures.
- Good venue ventilation.
- Mouth masks should only be worn by medical personnel.
To counter the coronavirus’ spread, the following precautionary steps are being taken during events at the RAI Amsterdam:
- Hand disinfectants available at all entrances and in public spaces.
- First aid personnel, instructed to recognise symptoms and how to manage possible cases, will walk the show floor.
- Additional first aid positions are opened during events, including an isolated post to prevent any virus spread.
- Especially thorough cleaning and more focus on following hygiene regulations.
In line with measures implemented in Germany, at all international RAI events visitors and exhibitors will only be allowed access to the venue after supplying a written mandatory health declaration as well as a negative fever measurement (38°C and higher) at the entrance.
These fever measurements will take place each and every time before entering the venue. Access will be denied if there is a positive measurement.
We will endeavour to bring you the latest developments regarding Interclean Amsterdam 2020 as soon as they happen. You can also follow RAI Amsterdam’s latest updates via the dedicated website below.
