Update 09-03-2020
In these challenging times, we are more aware than ever of your safety as well as that of our staff and the many visitors of Interclean. In view hereof, we have been closely monitoring the situation around the new coronavirus (COVID-19), which has surfaced in many countries around the world including The Netherlands. In view of the fact that the situation is changing on a daily basis, we plan to make a final decision about the current schedule for Interclean Amsterdam 2020 on or before 20 March. We will consider in our final decision whether the health and wellbeing of visitors and exhibitors is sufficiently safeguarded at Interclean Amsterdam in May.
RAI Amsterdam is in constant contact with the relevant authorities and important partners, such as the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the Municipal Health Services (GGD), the City of Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport and KLM. Together we have drawn up protocols and established precautions aimed at avoiding unnecessary risk. Our priority is always the safeguarding health and safety or our visitors, exhibitors and personnel.
We are ready to demonstrate that we will do our part to overcome the current situation. Clear guidance is given on health measures before, during, and after events take place. In addition to the authorities and partners listed above, we are in contact with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Clean Hospitals Group to monitor and act on new developments.
With Interclean, RAI Amsterdam is strongly committed to playing its role as a meeting place for hygiene professionals and in building bridges for successful cooperation and expertise across the industry. This is even more important as organisations worldwide are looking to build consensus on how to tackle outbreaks like coronavirus.
Recently, the Clean Hospitals Group (headed by Professor Didier Pittet) met in Amsterdam. While concerned about coronavirus, the team called for a realistic approach to the outbreak, taking into account signs that China is beginning to overcome the situation.
The Mayor of Amsterdam noted on 4 March that, although the situation is still unpredictable, there was no need to cancel events. The recent Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) event at the RAI Amsterdam shows how exhibitions can go ahead safely with the proper hygiene procedures in place to keep attendees safe
Since mid-January, we have had precautionary measures in place at our venue and during events. In the interest of public health and to prevent any contamination and spreading of the coronavirus, we insist that all stakeholders respect the RIVM and GGD hygiene regulation guidelines when at the RAI venue. These include:
- washing hands regularly with soap and/or hand disinfectants
- coughing and sneezing in paper tissues or the inside of one's elbow
- avoiding contact with people with respiratory symptoms (cough, cold, etc.)
- greeting each other with hand gestures and/or words
- ensuring good ventilation of the venue
- the use of mouth masks is only recommended for medical personnel in the Netherlands.
To counter the spread of coronavirus, the following precautionary measures are taken during events at RAI Amsterdam:
- hand disinfectants are made available at all entrances and in public spaces
- first aid personnel have been instructed to recognize the symptoms of the virus and know how to manage possible cases of illness; they also walk around on the floor
- additional first aid positions are opened during events, including one isolated post to prevent any spread of the virus
- cleaning is especially thorough
- there is more focus on following hygiene regulations.
As an extra precaution and in line with measures taken in Germany, we will tighten our precautionary measures at our upcoming international events:
- Visitors and exhibitors are only allowed access to the venue after giving a written mandatory health declaration and a negative fever measurement (38 Celsius and higher) at the entrance.
- Fever measurements will take place each time before entering the venue. In case of positive measurement access will be denied.
- An onsite COVID-19 helpdesk will be in place with medical specialist to answer questions. This helpdesk is in close contact with our first aid personnel.
As things stand, Interclean Amsterdam 2020 will go ahead as planned at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre from 12-15 May 2020. A final decision on this will be made by 20 March, at which time we will communicate any changes.
Precautions and measures for all on-site attendees and personnel that are in place at RAI Amsterdam can be found here: www.rai.nl/en/rai-amsterdam/news-article/update-coronavirus
You can find more useful information to prevent transmission by our partner the Clean Hospitals Group at: www.cleanhospitals.com/2020/02/20/clean-hospitals-coronavirus-update
The official website for the latest updates and measures from the RIVM can be accessed at: www.rivm.nl/en/novel-coronavirus-in-china
Should you require any further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to email us at interclean@rai.nl
Update 28-2-2020
Interclean Amsterdam 2020 will go ahead as planned at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre from 12-15 May 2020. As the organiser of the exhibition, at RAI we are closely following developments related to the coronavirus.
Our shows are supportive of the markets and communities we serve, and resilient in challenging times. Interclean especially plays an important role when it comes to personal hygiene, environmental cleaning, hand hygiene and disinfection. More than 900 manufacturers and 35,000 visitors gather during the show to get the latest information on how to prevent infections. It is our responsibility to facilitate this important and impactful moment.
We appreciate the concern that many will have over the current situation with regards to coronavirus. We follow in the footsteps of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry in recognising the role that commercial events will play in the recovery process for the global and local economies. That is why Interclean Amsterdam 2020 will go ahead as planned.
We are ready to demonstrate that we will do our part to overcome the current situation. Clear guidance is given on health measures before, during, and after events take place. We are in contact with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Clean Hospitals to monitor and act on new developments.
When it comes to health, we will rely on the experts in the field – from the WHO to specialised institutions and partners in the Netherlands. These include the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the municipal health service (GGD), Amsterdam council, Schiphol airport and KLM. We will follow their advice and have all precautions in place.
For hygiene measures during Interclean Amsterdam itself, we have put the following precautions in place:
• Hand-disinfection products will be available at all entrances, bathrooms and other public spaces
• Health information and first-aid points will be prevalent across the RAI
• An awareness campaign on personal hygiene will be run among attendees
Precautions and measures for all on-site attendees and personnel that are already in place at RAI Amsterdam can be found here [www.rai.nl/en/rai-amsterdam/news-article/update-coronavirus].
We look forward to welcoming exhibitors and attendees to Interclean Amsterdam 2020 for what will be another exciting and insightful event. We assure everyone that the safety of everyone in attendance is paramount.
You can find more useful information to prevent transmission by our partner Clean Hospitals at: https://cleanhospitals.com/2020/02/20/clean-hospitals-coronavirus-update/
The official website for the latest updates and measures from the RIVM can be accessed at: https://www.rivm.nl/en/novel-coronavirus-in-china
Should you require any further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to email us at interclean@rai.nl
Posted 17-2-2020
Interclean Amsterdam 2020 will be held as planned from 12 - 15 May 2020. We, as RAI Amsterdam and organiser of Interclean, are closely following developments related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) .
We are in contact with specialised institutions and partners, including the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the municipal health service (GGD), Amsterdam council, Schiphol airport and KLM. Any measures required will be taken in consultation with clients and following the guidelines issued by RIVM and GGD. Our priority is always on safeguarding health and safety.
We have put the following precautions into effect
• Hand-disinfection products are available at all entrances, bathrooms and other public spaces
• Personal hand sanitiser bottles are spread throughout the venue
• Health information and first-aid points will be prevalent across the RAI
• Regular cleaning and sanitising of registration and presentation equipment
• Awareness campaign on personal hygiene amongst attendees
As for all on-site attendees and personnel we advise to follow these precautions
• Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections
• Avoid handshaking or excessive contact
• Frequent hand washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment
• People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands)
• Avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals
