Coronavirus: Mipim organisers insist event will go ahead
Organisers of the international property conference Mipim have insisted the event will go ahead in Cannes next month despite a spike in coronavirus cases in Europe.
In a statement yesterday event organisers said that Mipim 2020 “will be open for business” from 10 March, saying “all clients who are not affected by national or local travel restrictions” are welcome to attend.
Organisers said increased standards of hygiene and cleanliness will be upheld at the Palais des Festivals venue, including hand disinfectant in all public zones.
A reinforced medical team will also be on hand at the conference, and the event organisers will collaborate with local partners to “ensure vigilance”.
“We are continually monitoring developments and following the latest guidance from local, national and international authorities and the World Health Organization as it relates to travel to MIPIM and clients’ on-site experience,” organisers said.
However, some people took to social media to express doubts over whether the event should go ahead, as the number of coronavirus cases in Europe rose.
Architecture firm Rise Architects said: “What duty of care do employers have if sending their employees to Mipim this year?”.
Tom Houghton, business editor at the Liverpool Echo, wrote: “Slightly concerning as I’m heading to Mipim myself – and Cannes is relatively close to areas of Italy currently affected by coronavirus closures and shutdowns”.
There have been 322 confirmed cases in Italy, while France has reported 12, and Spain has seen six cases. Greece also confirmed its first case of the virus today.