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Organisers of meetings and events need to think about the potential risk from Covid-19 because:

• There is a risk that people attending your meeting or event might unwittingly bring the Covid-19 virus to the meeting. Others might be unknowingly exposed to Covid-19.
• Although Covid-19 is a mild disease for most people, it can make some very ill. Around 1 in every 5 people who catch Covid-19 needs hospital treatment.
• Key considerations to prevent or reduce Covid-19 risks BEFORE the meeting or event
• Check the advice from the authorities in the community where you plan to hold the meeting or event.
• Follow their advice.
• Develop and agree a preparedness plan to prevent infection at your meeting or event. Consider whether a face-to-face meeting or event is needed. Could it be replaced by a teleconference or online event? Could the meeting or event be scaled down so that fewer people attend? Verify information and communication channels in advance with key partners such as public health and health care authorities. Pre-order sufficient supplies and materials, including tissues and hand sanitiser for all participants. Have surgical masks available to offer anyone who develops respiratory symptoms. Actively monitor where Covid-19 is circulating. Advise participants in advance that if they have any symptoms or feel unwell, they should not attend. Make sure all organisers, participants, caterers and visitors at the event provide contact details: mobile telephone number, e-mail, and address where they are staying. State clearly that their details will be shared with local public health authorities if any participant becomes ill with a suspected infectious disease.
• Anyone who does not agree to this condition cannot attend the event or meeting.
• Develop and agree a response plan in case someone at the meeting becomes ill with symptoms of Covid-19 (dry cough, fever, malaise). This plan should include at least
• Identify a room or area where someone who is feeling unwell or has symptoms can be safely isolated.
• Have a plan for how they can be safely transferred from there to a health facility.
• Know what to do if a meeting participant, staff member, or service provider tests positive for Covid-19 during or just after the meeting.
• Agree the plan in advance with your partner healthcare provider or health department. — WHO