Coronavirus forces cancellation of HIMSS20

For the first time in fifty eight years, the HIMSS World Overall health Conference & Exhibition – which was scheduled to choose put March nine-thirteen in Orlando, Florida – has been canceled.

HIMSS has been trying to keep a close eye on the rapidly-shifting globally coronavirus scenario for months, and stated the final decision to cancel comes in mild of the latest reports from the Entire world Overall health Business and Facilities for Disorder Handle and Prevention.

It was determined that the likely to unfold the virus – especially given HIMSS’ audience of health care industry experts – was also terrific.

“We realize all the really hard do the job that so numerous have put into getting ready for their presentations and panels that accompany every HIMSS meeting,” stated Hal Wolf, president and CEO of HIMSS, in a assertion.

“Primarily based on analysis of evolving situations and coordination with an external advisory panel of clinical industry experts to aid proof-primarily based final decision generating, it is clear that it would be an unacceptable hazard to provide so numerous 1000’s of individuals collectively in Orlando future week.”

The cancellation was required to fulfill HIMSS’ obligation to defend the overall health and security of its associates across the world, as effectively as employees and regional residents.

Additionally, the hazard to the numerous health care providers who ended up set to go to the meeting – so numerous of whom will be important to battling the unfold of COVID-19 – was a main issue, given their likely displacement during such a vital public overall health unexpected emergency.

HIMSS20 exhibitors and attendees will be contacted with even more info. Attendees can also verify the HIMSS20 Cancellation FAQ webpage for a lot more facts. Ongoing updates will be printed on HIMSSConference.org.

This story will also be updated.

Healthcare IT Information is a HIMSS Media publication.