Coronavirus does not stop its progress and continues to expand throughout the world. In these last hours, new cases of infections and deaths were registered in Asia, Europe and the first confirmed patient in Latin America. In total, the number of fatalities now ascends to 2,700 people.
In this context, every massive event that brings together many people within the same space represents a risk, and the entertainment industry is not exempt. Of the upcoming markets for the industry, Andina Link is the next one and MIPTV is the largest one.
In the case of Andina Link, the organizers confirmed a few days ago that the international telecommunication and convergent technologies market will take place from March 3 to 5 in the Colombian city of Cartagena as planned and without changing its agenda. However, due to the restrictions caused by the disease, 13 Chinese exhibitors who were going to participate in the convention will not be able to attend, while another 17 companies of the same origin will have a presence through foreign representatives.
MIPTV, which this year will be held from March 30 to April 2 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, is in a year of transformation and aims to revalue its importance and gather more attendees. However, the expansion of COVID-19 was an unexpected obstacle for Reed Midem, the market organizer, who is working side by side with the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure the safety of all who attend the convention.
“The health and safety of everyone attending the event is our number one priority. 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 MIPTV and clients’ on-site experience,” Reed Midem announced in the event’s website.
The measures implemented so far include WHO recommendations regarding hand, respiratory and best hygiene practices, dedicated staff training, strengthened collaboration with local partners (airport, hotels, City of Cannes), reinforced medical team at the venue, increased standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the Palais des Festivals, and additional support to exhibitors who wish to adopt specific hygiene measures for their stands.
This year, the "Country of honor" announced for MIPTV was Korea, which is experiencing strict immigration restrictions, so its participation in the event is still in doubt. In fact, South Korea is currently the country with the most cases of infection outside of China.
● PRODUCTIONS AND DEBUTS IN PAUSE
The spread of coronavirus is not only affecting conventions, but also other areas of the industry. For example, Paramount Pictures had to delay its filming plans for “Mission: Impossible 7,” which was scheduled to take place during three weeks in Venice, Italy, a country that already records 12 fatalities due to the virus and is the most affected nation in Europe.
On the other hand, also due to concerns about the growing epidemic of the coronavirus, Paramount delayed the launch in China of "Sonic the Hedgehog," which was originally set to debut in the country on February 28.
The virus, whose global reach already amounts to 80,000 infected, is transmitted from animals to humans and also among humans. The symptoms that manifest are cough, breathing difficulties, fever and pneumonia.
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