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COVID-19 Attendee InformationUpdated March 2, 2020. Regarding the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: SXSW is working closely on a daily basis with local, state, and federal agencies to plan for a safe event. As a result of this dialogue and the recommendations of Austin Public Health, we are proceeding with the 2020 event with the health and safety of our attendees, staff, and volunteers as our top priority.On February 28, Austin Public Health updated their FAQ about COVID-19 and SXSW with the following language:“Q: Does the COVID-19 situation change plans for SXSW and other large festivals/events?A: APH will continue to communicate with the CDC and health departments nationwide as many cities host large events. At this time, no health departments in the state have requested the cancellation of any gatherings as the current risk of person-to-person spread in their jurisdictions remains low. Historically, March is not a peak international travel month in Austin, but we will continue to monitor. Information and practices are changing during this rapidly evolving situation and we will continue to follow national guidelines. This being said, there are no imminent plans to postpone any current events. For more information about monitoring and operations click here.The health of the Austin community and those who visit our City is our highest priority. APH coordinates with South by Southwest (SXSW) annually to monitor and prepare for any public health emergencies during the festival – this year is no different. While in flu season, APH is working with SXSW to disseminate disease prevention messaging to help keep attendees and the entire Austin community safe. APH routinely monitors nearly 80 communicable diseases, which will continue throughout the year as travelers visit Austin every day for various international events. APH is also working with the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor and prepare for any local cases of COVID-19.”There is a lot about COVID-19 that is still unknown, but what we do know is that personal hygiene is of critical importance. We hope that people follow the science, implement the recommendations of public health agencies, and continue to participate in the activities that make our world connected.Prevention tips from Austin Public Health include: Washing your hands for 20 seconds and using alcohol based hand sanitizer When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands Do not attend the event if you are feeling ill. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, call Austin Public Health at 3-1-1. If it is a medical emergency, call 9-1-1SXSW FAQ1. Businesses Continue to Operate, and So Does SXSWWe are following the recommendations of scientific and health agencies when making determinations regarding operations and precautions around the 2020 event. Safety is a top priority, and we continue to work with them on a daily basis. Restaurants, bars, clubs, theatres, stadiums, and other businesses that people patronize are still open and people continue to attend. Travelers from the U.S. and around the world continue to visit Austin daily.At the World Health Organization press conference, Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “Our greatest enemy right now is not the virus itself. It’s fear, rumours and stigma. And our greatest assets are facts, reason and solidarity.”2. What are the Current Preparedness Plans?We are in constant contact with the local public health authority, Austin Public Health, and preparedness plans are ongoing.Safety is a top priority for SXSW. Currently, we are taking the following actions on-site: provision of disinfectant wipes and spray, hand sanitizer for common area spaces and activity spaces, microphone wipe downs, inclusion of Austin Public Health Disease Prevention literature, outreach to all meeting spaces, venues, and hotels.3. How Will Preparedness Plans Impact SXSW Participants?SXSW and Austin Public Health encourage the implementation of personal hygiene practices, including washing your hands for 20 seconds and using alcohol based hand sanitizer, when coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; and stay home or in your hotel if you have a fever to help maintain the health of all event participants.4. How Many Cancellations Have Occurred?At this time, we have a small number of cancellations from participants. This includes attendees who were traveling from heavily affected areas, registrants whose companies have instituted travel bans, and those who have opted out due to personal preference.5. What is Happening with Corporate Travel Bans?We understand that some companies have instituted general corporate travel bans for staff. To our knowledge, only a handful have affected our event programming at this time, and we will update our schedule accordingly.6. Attendee DemographicsHistorically, March is not a peak international travel month in Austin. Per Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s calendar year 2019 data, approximately 1 in 11 passengers arriving or departing AUS either originated from or are terminating at a non-US airport. This includes passengers who are on connecting flights as well as those on nonstop flights.SXSW’s Conference Attendee numbers from our 2019 demographics report state that we had 73,716 SXSW Conference Attendees, 19,166 of whom were from outside of the US. We are on par with those numbers for 2020.This year, the top ten countries with registrants traveling to SXSW are: Brazil United Kingdom Germany Canada Japan Australia Norway Netherlands Sweden Denmark7. Has SXSW Seen the Change.org Petition?We are aware of this petition. SXSW is working closely on a daily basis with local, state, and federal agencies to plan for a safe event. As a result of this dialogue and the recommendations of Austin Public Health, the 2020 event is proceeding with safety as a top priority.8. Where Can We Find Updates?We are regularly updating our COVID-19 Response page with new information. Please check back regularly.This page may be updated. Please check back regularly – contents are subject to change.
It seems SXSW has been cancelledYou are not allowed to view links. Register or LoginYou are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
Apparently their insurance does not cover this unusual situation.You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login