Despite growing global concern around the spread of COVID-19, a weed business expo held in Las Vegas is taking place as planned.
On Tuesday, organizers of Cannabis Conference 2020 released a statement saying participant safety is top priority, but the April 21-23 conference would still go ahead.
Organizers said they would continue to closely monitor health, safety and travel concerns that could lead to the cancellation of the conference in the next 41 days.
Read more: Vape retailer says coronavirus outbreak will hit cannabis industry
Currently American health authorities have not issued travel notices for people travelling to Las Vegas, and no southern Nevada resort properties have been identified as being at higher risk for viral transmission.
According to the release, attendees will have access to hand sanitizer throughout the event space and people are being discouraged from shaking hands when they meet.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued guidance for COVID-19 prevention and treatment that are similar to staying healthy during cold and flu season: Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, use a hand sanitizer of at least 60 per cent alcohol (vodka won’t cut it) and stay home if you feel sick.
Per the CDC, hand sanitizer needs to contain at least 60% alcohol. Tito's Handmade Vodka is 40% alcohol, and therefore does not meet the current recommendation of the CDC. Please see attached for more information. pic.twitter.com/OMwR6Oj28Q
— TitosVodka (@TitosVodka) March 5, 2020
Face masks, the agency added, should only be worn by people who are sick and not healthy individuals.
The New York Times created a list of global events that have been cancelled or are banning spectators over concerns of COVID-19 transmission. In Italy, church services have been prohibited, Ireland cancelled its St. Patrick’s Day parade, and the South by Southwest music festival has also been cancelled.
Compared to these events, the Cannabis Conference is small — bringing together a few thousand people compared to South by Southwest’s hundreds of thousands.
Tickets to the three-day conference run from US$1,199 to US$399. Attendees can get a 50 per cent refund if a cancellation request is received by April 3, 2020.
Conference organizers did not say what refunds would be available if the event is cancelled.
Top image via Deposit Photos
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