COVID-2019 and wire & Tube 2020: latest updates

The coronavirus is now on the front page of all the media. Between prevention tips, hysteria, and reassurance, COVID-2019 is now the trending topic.

To date (February 25, 2020), the World Health Organization reports more than 80,000 infections and 2,696 deaths worldwide. The virus has spread to at least 33 countries, including nine in Europe. Italy, the most affected country in the old continent with more than 200 cases and seven deaths, has locked down more than 50,000 people in 10 cities, closing schools, universities and meeting places, as well as canceling sports matches, and other events in an attempt to control the spread of the epidemic.

Certainly not the best scenario for the most important event for the wire and tube industry, wire & Tube Düsseldorf 2020, scheduled for March 30 - April 3, which is expected to host more than 2,500 companies and 70,000 visitors. Especially considering Italy and China are the second and third countries respectively in terms of number of exhibitors.

To reassure exhibitors and visitors, the trade show organizers have recently published a statement on the official website. Disinfectant gel dispensers will be available for use, and cleaning intervals will be reduced for bathrooms and surfaces such as handrails, handles, etc. Tips to avoid transmission also include avoiding any physical contact like handshakes.

A Statement by AUMA - the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry - had been released confirming that all trade fairs in Germany would be held regularly. However, this statement has been denied by latest developments: Eisenwarenmesse, the international hardware fair, to be held in Cologne (Germany) from March 1 to 4, has been postponed to February 2021. The global trade show Light + Building, originally slated for March 8 -13, has also been postponed to September 2020, as you can read in the official press release. Some trade fairs in Italy, as MECSPE Parma, focused on the whole manufacturing industry, will be rescheduled from March 26 - 28 to June 18 - 20.

Update (March 6, 2020): wire & Tube 2020 has been officially postponed to December 7-11 due to the coronavirus emergency. More information at this link.

Photo: Messe Düsseldorf/ctillmann