The Convention Industry Council (CIC) urges governments and opinion leaders to strike a delicate balance of accurately and adequately informing citizens of health concerns without unduly discouraging travel, business meetings an other important economic activities.
"The World Health Organization has stated clearly that no travel restrictions are in place, and according to the United States Center for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), Swine Influenza (swine flu) should not discourage people from travelling or conducting business with the United States," sai Eric Allen, Executive Director of the Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association, and Chair of the CIC Board of Directors.
"All citizens should heed the advice of meical experts when determining how best to protect themselves from illness, and not media reports."
Accoring to the CDC, individuals should take common sense steps to protect themselves including washing your hands frequently, using alcohol-based hands cleaners when warranted, and staying home if you get sick.
"The meetings industry is already in distress because of the realities of the current economy as well as travel restrictions on companies receiving government bailout money. What we don't need is yet another reason to cancel meetings based on panic and media speculation," states Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP, Chief Operation Officer for the CIC.
"We must listen to the medical experts and proceed accordingly."
For more information, visit Convention Industry Council
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