A single attendee at both of the recent CEDIA Tech Summits in Tampa and Fort Lauderdale has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.
The incubation period for the virus to take hold is between two and 14 days after exposure. The Fort Lauderdale event was February 25 and the Tampa event was February 27, which means the incubation period is almost past.
CE Pro spoke with one attendee who interacted with the infected person at the event. Because he has an underlying medical condition, the attendee was initially worried and was self quarantining. At this time, he is showing no signs of symptoms as the incubation period is nearly over.
Late last night, CEDIA reached out directly to every attendee at both events as soon as the organization found out about the positive test. The association announced yesterday it was postponing its Vancouver event slated for March 12. Its other spring events are still on.
Below is the notification sent by CEDIA CEO Tabatha O’Connor to all the attendees at both the Florida Tech Summits:
At 9:00 p.m. last night, CEDIA received a credible report that an attendee who was at the Florida Tech Summits (Ft. Lauderdale on February 25 and Tampa on February 27) has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). CEDIA would like to express our concern for this individual and those impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The CDC advises that symptoms of COVID-19 may take 2-14 days to appear after exposure, so we have passed the window for Fort Lauderdale and are quickly closing in on Tampa (March 12). If you experience fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should immediately seek the advice of a physician for treatment.
The health and safety of CEDIA staff, members, and event attendees remains of the utmost importance to CEDIA. If we learn additional information, we will continue to communicate it with you. We will also update you on any changes we make to our event schedule in response to updates provided by reliable resources such as the WHO and the CDC. In the meantime, please continue to take the types of precautions you would take to prevent the spread of any virus, including the flu, such as frequent hand washing, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or sleeve, and avoiding touching your face.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to Robert Keeler at rkeeler@cedia.org.
Best Regards,
Tabatha O’Connor
President and CEO, CEDIA
